OBME 2110 - Research Workshop in Social Sciences

The seminar is for students preparing to write a thesis at PSIA, or planning to apply for a PhD program later on. It provides some fundamental readings in social sciences to map the fields of international relations, international political economy, international governance, public policy and comparative sociology. It also helps students to identify the key approaches and controversies in these different fields, including rational choice, organizational theory, neo-institutionalism, constructivism and interpretivism. Students learn to be familiar with the major approaches and methods used in social sciences. The course supports students in developing their own research questions and research design, and to elaborate a full research proposal for a master’s thesis or a PhD application.

Learning Outcomes

Students will

• Identify the major approaches and different epistemologies of social sciences;
• Become familiar with the basic techniques and methods used in social sciences;

3.Develop their knowledge of the literature in their field of research.

Professionnal Skills

Students will

• Write an academic literature review;
• Orally present and defend a research project;
• Develop a full written research proposal.

Preferably basic knowledge of social sciences methods. (e.g. Introduction to social sciences, methodology, or research paper at the undergraduate level).

The class is mostly based on

• Short lectures by the instructor;
• Discussion of the readings;
• Discussion of students presentations.

Feedback and research supervision is provided directly in class and when needed with individual appointments.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester