POL 311 - Quantitative Methods for Political Science

This course serves as an introduction to quantitative methodology in political science. The course will begin with the logic of social scientific inquiry and the basics of research design, and then introduce students to the quantitative methods that are commonly used by political scientists to investigate important questions about the political world. By the end of the semester, students will have developed a critical understanding of issues related to scientific inquiry, measurement, causal inference, experimental, and observational research. Students will also learn fundamental data analytic techniques and develop the skills to apply these tools using the R computer software.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group II
Prerequisite(s): One introductory Political Science course (POL 220, POL 230, POL 240, POL 260, or POL 280), and one additional Political Science course. The additional course may be concurrently enrolled.
Instructional Method: Lecture-laboratory
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Evaluate data and/or sources.
Analyze institutions, formations, languages, structures, or processes, whether social, political, religious, economic, cultural, intellectual or other.
Think in sophisticated ways about causation, social and/or historical change, human cognition, or the relationship between individuals and society, or engage with social, political, religious or economic theory in other areas.