BSS405 Methodology in the Research of Security

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2013
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 9 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Josef Smolík, Ph.D., MBA, LL.M., MSc. (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. Peter Spáč, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Iva Petříková
Supplier department: Division of Security and Strategic Studies – Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 14:00–15:40 U35
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
At the end of the course the students will be able to plan, design, and execute empirical research. They will be able to develop, apply, and test theories in both small- and large-N research. The students will be able to select adequate methodologies in order to deal with their research problems and argue for the employment of specific methods. They will be able not only to prepare their own dissertation proposals, but to also prepare whatever proposal they will need in their future carriers.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction 2. Basics of research in the social sciences 3. Research starts with a question 4. Theory, argument, logics of explanation 5. From theories to empirical research, conceptualization, operationalization, case selection 6. The key elements of research and grant proposals 7. Reading week 8. Seminar I – the debate of draft research proposals 9. Seminar II – the debate of draft research proposals 10. Basics of data processing 11. Case study and comparative design 12. Research ethics 13. Final test
Literature
    required literature
  • WYSOCKI, Diane Kholos. Readings in social research methods. 3rd ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, c2008, xiv, 236 p. ISBN 9780495093374.
  • MARTIN, Paul R. and P. P. G. BATESON. Úvod do teorie a metodologie měření chování. Translated by Ivo Müller. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2009, 221 s. ISBN 9788073675264. info
  • DRULÁK, Petr. Jak zkoumat politiku : kvalitativní metodologie v politologii a mezinárodních vztazích. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2008, 255 s. ISBN 9788073673857. info
  • PUNCH, Keith. Úspěšný návrh výzkumu. Translated by Jan Hendl. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2008, 230 s. ISBN 9788073674687. info
  • PUNCH, K. F. Základy kvantitativního šetření. 1. vyd. Praha: Portál, 2008, 152 pp. ISBN 978-80-7367-381-9. info
  • GEORGE, Alexander L. and Andrew BENNETT. Case studies and theory development in the social sciences. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2005, xv, 331. ISBN 0262572222. info
  • VAN EVERA, Stephen. Guide to methods for students of political science. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1997, vi, 136. ISBN 080148457X. info
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars discussing students' draft research designs.
Assessment methods
1. In the course, students are expected to write up a model research proposal, and submit it as their final paper. They are required to work on their proposals continually throughout the semester. First, they must submit their draft proposals in the middle of the course (at least 4 pages long). The selected proposals will be discussed in the seminar (see the syllabus of the course). It is compulsory to attend the seminar. Next, students must submit the final version of their proposals by the end of the semester (10 pages; you can get up to 20 points for the proposal). The exact deadlines will be announced in the beginning of the semester.
2. There will be a final in-class written exam, consisting of four questions (max. 5 points for each question) based on the required readings and the discussions in class.
The grade will be calculated on the basis of the number of points collected. In order to complete the course, students must collect at least 24 points. Evaluation:
A 40 – 38 points
B 37 – 34 points
C 33 – 30 points
D 29 – 27 points
E 26 – 24 points
F 23 and less points
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2013, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2013/BSS405