Rigorous, systematic research methods are at the foundation of quality scholarship for students and professors alike, but many students find research methods scary and/or boring to learn. This class will introduce students to a wide array of research methods in an engaging, accessible way. Students will get hands-on training in how to ask good question, generate their own original arguments, define and measure their concepts, and set up and carry out sophisticated research designs. Along the way, students will learn the basics of archival research, interviews, surveys, case studies, and statistical analysis. The course focuses on applied methods using scholarship and examples from political science, international studies, history, psychology, and sociology. The course is designed for students to write the best paper they have ever written. Every week, student assignments are learning and applying one of these skills to their paper project, so that by the end of the semester they have a well-written, original research paper with an engaging question, well framed arguments, and in-depth comparative case study analysis. This is a great course for students thinking about writing a thesis, pursuing a research-focused career, or for those who simply want to supercharge their analytical skills, in this class and in others.
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