Patti J. Shelton, M.A., J.D.

Instructor - POS 301 - Spring 2005

ps@azprobatelaw.com

(623) 977-1900

SYLLABUS

EMPIRICAL POLITICAL INQUIRY

 

The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to empirical inquiry, that is, research – both quantitative and qualitative – in the social sciences.  We will focus on critical analysis of existing research rather than carrying out original research as a class.  However, our critical studies will include exploration of data collection, measurement and analysis to a degree that would allow a student to design, implement and analyze a research project.  And the final exam will consist of each student designing a research project – more on that as the semester proceeds.  You will need a Blue Book for the final exam and it is the student’s responsibility to obtain one before the final.

 

The textbook for this course is, The Practice of Social Research, 10th edition by Earl Babbie, published by Wadsworth, Belmont, California.  The textbook includes a CD-ROM with chapter tutorials, and a website, which may be useful to you.  We will not be using the Workbook that sometimes accompanies this textbook.

 

Each student is expected to complete all readings assigned, achieve a passing grade on all three hour-long exams and the final exam, and participate in class.  All exams except the final will consist of objective (multiple choice and/or true-false) questions and brief essay questions. 

 

Although my schedule and that of the ASU Downtown Center do not permit office hours, I am available as needed by e-mail and by telephone, during weekday business hours.

 

Grades will be assigned based upon the following requirements:

 

Hour-long Exam                       15 points                                  February 4

Hour-long Exam                       15 points                                  March 10

Hour-long Exam                       15 points                                  April 14

Final Exam                               40 points                                  May 12

Participation                             15 points

                                               100 total points possible           

 

You will not be required to carry out statistical analyses or any type of mathematical calculations in order to do well in this class.  Please do not allow yourself to be daunted by the empirical and “scientific” nature of much of the information offered.  My requirements are that students read, think, and discuss.  Those that do will excel in this class; those that do not will not.

 

Class reading assignments:

 

January 19        -           Babbie, Chs. 1-2

January 26        -           Babbie, Chs. 3-4

 

February 2       -           Exam; Babbie, Ch. 5  (The exam will be for one hour followed by lecture)

POS 301

Spring 2005

Syllabus Page 2

 

 

February 9       -           Babbie, Chs. 6-7

February 16     -           Babbie, Ch. 8

February 23     -           Babbie, Ch. 9

March 2           -           Babbie, Ch. 10

 

March 9           -           Exam; Babbie, Ch. 11 (See Feb. 2)

 

March 16         -           Spring Break

March 23         -           Babbie, Ch. 12

March 30         -           Babbie, Ch. 13

April 6              -           Babbie, Ch. 14

 

April 13            -           Exam; Babbie, Ch. 15 (See Feb. 2 & Mar. 9)

 

April 20            -           Babbie, Ch. 16

April 27            -           Babbie, Ch. 17

 

May 4              -           Reading Day (I will conduct a review for about two hours on this evening;                                  attendance is strictly voluntary.)

May 11            -           Final Exam  (Two hours in length; blue books required)

May 16            -           Grades posted