Methodology of Political Analysis
The place and role of the course in the program of study
| Type of Course: | Compulsory |
| Level of Course: | M.A. |
| Year of study: | 1st |
| ECTS credits: | 2 |
The course “International Political Analysis” aims to provide knowledge and skills regarding applied policy research in the field of international affairs and world politics. The course is part of the compulsory disciplines in training for the MA degree in International Relations. It is essential to prepare high quality specialists with advanced analytical competences. It presumes previous knowledge in such disciplines as “Political Theory”, “Comparative Politics”, “Global Affairs” and “International Relations Theory”.
Course aims and learning outcomes
The main goal of the course is to provide students with applicable knowledge in conducting policy-relevant and task-oriented analysis of international affairs, focused on strategies of states and their interactions. The ability to perform such a kind of analysis relies on an understanding of basic cognitive and psychological limitations, as well as on proficiency in applying relevant theories and models to overcome them.
The basic principle of the course is providing knowledge and skills through the right balance of instruction and practical exercises. The reading for the course is to promote awareness in the basic principles as well as the latest developments in theoretical debate. The classes provide an opportunity to enhance understanding through combining theoretical findings into more coherent and applied models and providing empirical examples.
The classes include interactive lectures, structured discussion, and a small simulation exercise to achieve the designated learning outcomes.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- examine analytical products to assess their reliability and utility;
- design and plan policy-relevant and task-oriented analytical projects;
- achieve sound descriptive, estimative, forecasting and operative analytical objectives in order to support decision making processes;
- prepare and present finished, logically-organised and persuasive analytical texts in accordance with the various formats required by the customer.
Course requirements
Students will be required to attend not less than 90% of classes and be prepared for class discussions. Conscientious reading of the assigned materials is a must. Students who pass the written exam are required to prepare two papers throughout semester and make an oral presentation. Students who do not have written exam are required to prepare three papers throughout the semester and make an oral presentation.
COURSE CONTENT
- Introduction to the course. The art and science of political research
- Ontological and epistemological limitations and applied analysis
- Theoretical approaches towards strategic interactions
- Workshop on postmortem analysis
- International structures and institutional frameworks
- Preferences and private information
- Perceptions and worldviews
- Capabilities and power
- Workshop on Analysis of Competing Hypotheses
- Balancing and coercion
- Appeasement, bandwagoning and coalitions
- Buckpassing and signaling