Syllabus (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
Course Type: MAJ-16
Semester: 8
Course Code: BPLSMAJ16T
Course Title: Research Methodology
(L-P-Tu): 5-0-1
Credit: 4
Practical/Theory: Theory
Course Objective:
Learning Outcome: Course Outcome: This paper intends to train students in carrying out empirical studies and field work which would help him in research. This would sensitize him to the precautions that are required to carry a empirical study on socially relevant topics.
Learning Objectives:
- To help the students to understand the concept of research in Political Science, how to frame a research question, to frame a research design and how to take review of research literature.
- To help the students to know the concepts in research process viz hypothesis, variables, sampling etc.
- To help the students to know and apply the ethical issues in research process.
- To help the students to know the data collection tools, techniques and methods in social research.
- To help the students to learn the skill of report writing data presentation, biography, writing footnotes, references, cauterization and to know the characteristics of a good report.
Course Content: 6*4= 24Classes (6 Classes per topic)
- Research Methodology: meaning, Types, Difference between Method and methodology.
- Steps in Social Science Research.
- Review of Literature: Conducting a literature review.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Method- Basic Differences.
Suggested Readings:
- Techniques of Social Research: Dr. P.L. Bhandarkar and Wilkinson, Himalaya Publishing House.
- Research Methodology Methods/Techniques. C.R. Kothari, Vishwa Prakashan, New Delhi.
- Methodology & Social Science Research. Dr. Raj Kumar, Book Enclave- Jaipur.
- Research Methodology in Political Science. Theory and Analysis. S. L. Verma, Rawat Publication-Jaipur.
- H.N. Blalock, An Introduction to Social Research, Englewood Cliffs NJ, Prentice Hall, 1970.
- M.J. Brenner, J. Brown and D. Canter (eds.), The Research Interview: Uses and Approaches, London, Academic Press, 1985.
- Bryman, Quantity and Quality in Social Research, London, Unwin Hyman, 1988.
- M. Bulmer (ed.), Sociological Research Methods : An Introduction, London, Macmill an, 1984.
- De D.A. Vaus, Surveys in Social Research, 2nd edn., London, Unwin Hyman 1991.
- N. Gilbert (ed.), Researching Social Life, London, Sage, 1993.
Basic Features
Undergraduate degree programmes of either 3 or 4-year duration, with multiple entry and exit points and re-entry options, with appropriate certifications such as:
- UG certificate after completing 1 year (2 semesters with 40 Credits + 1 Summer course of 4 credits) of study,
- UG diploma after 2 years (4 semesters with 80 Credits + 1 Summer course of 4 credits) of study,
- Bachelor’s degree after a 3-year (6 semesters with 120 credits) programme of study,
- 4-year bachelor’s degree (Honours) after eight semesters (with 170 Credits) programme of study.
- 4-year bachelor’s degree (Honours with Research) if the student completes a rigorous research project (of 12 Credits) in their major area(s) of study in the 8th semester.
Note: The eligibility condition of doing the UG degree (Honours with Research) is- minimum75% marks to be obtained in the first six semesters.
- The students can make an exit after securing UG Certificate/ UG Diploma and are allowed to re-enter the degree programme within three years and complete the degree programme within the stipulated maximum period of seven years.
