Research Methods in International Relations (Advanced)

4 SKS, SPHII212119

Course Description

This course is designed to equip students with the understanding and tools necessary to operationalize research in the field of International Relations. The course will be taught by a team of lecturers with diverse backgrounds in political science and international relations. Through the diversity of material presented, this course is also expected to encourage the development of diverse approaches within the discipline of international relations.

International Relations Research Methods (IRMRHI) (Advanced) is part of a series of research methods courses offered in previous semesters. This course utilizes the knowledge and skills honed in previous classes by emphasizing the operationalization of ideas and techniques for designing and conducting research based on scientific and valid principles.

For academic purposes in undergraduate programs, this course helps students become familiar with various research methods. Methods are crucial for demonstrating whether students can prove their hypotheses by demonstrating valid data collected and analyzed through a series of standardized steps. Beyond the academic realm, this course is expected to equip students with basic research knowledge and skills that can be utilized in the workplace. Various economic activities, industrial activities, and business development, as well as government and civil society activities, require the study of numerous issues, particularly those related to international relations.

As the discipline of International Relations has evolved over time, many scholars have adopted and developed methods as rigorous analytical tools. These diverse methods serve a spectrum of IR traditions, from positivism to post-positivism, and encompass both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Based on data collected from 1975 to 2000, Sprinz and Wolinsky-Nahmias (2004) found that quantitative approaches have become increasingly prominent and, in aggregate, have displaced the tradition of descriptive writing. The data were collected from several leading journals, such as the American Political Science Review, International Organization, International Security, International Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Conflict Resolution, and World Politics (Sprinz & Wolinsky-Nahmias, 2004). Furthermore, the use of interdisciplinary methods is also increasingly prominent, although not yet dominant. A significant increase occurred between 1990 and 1994 (Sprinz & Wolinsky-Nahmias, 2004). Furthermore, with the development of digitalization, more international relations research will adopt interdisciplinary methods such as big data analysis and web crawling.

Expected Learning Outcome

Recognize, appreciate, and compare various research methods developed within the field of International Relations.
Evaluate research tools/methods that are appropriate for the topic being researched and that best serve the research objectives.
Formulate research methods that are systematic and valid in their procedures.
Design a coherent research plan with a logical flow.