Module SGIA2361: Analytical Politics

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA2361: Analytical Politics

Prerequisites

• SGIA1201 or ANTH 1101, ECON 1021, GEOG 1232, SOCI 1321, plus any other level 1 SGIA module.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the fundamentals of theoretical models and key theoretical mechanisms of politics
• To teach students how to apply theoretical models to a wide range of political issues and processes
• To introduce students to theory testing research designs
• To teach students how to link theory and evidence

Content

• One block of lectures and seminars will introduce the fundamentals of theoretical models of politics and consider a variety of theoretical mechanisms, such as coordination and cooperation, commitment, signalling, bargaining, delegation, and behavioural mechanisms.
• In developing our understanding of modelling approaches to politics, we will read both historically important texts and current research and apply their insights and mechanisms to past and current political events.
• Another block of lectures and seminars explores how theoretical insights, predictions from models, and mechanisms can be empirically assessed.
• We will learn to what extent different empirical designs can be used to answer substantive questions about political phenomena.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module, students will:
• Understand the use and limitations of theoretical models in explanatory political theory in both historical and comparative contexts;
• Know some key mechanisms through which political structures, political ideas, social groups, and individuals in pursuit of political goals in the domestic and international arena affect political outcomes;
• Understand the opportunities and challenges of political analysis, methods of theorising, and empirical investigation, and the application of these to specific political phenomena in a variety of contexts.

• Having completed this module, students will:
• Be able to identify, interpret, and apply appropriate methods of analysis to political problems, ideas, arguments, and advocate solutions;
• Be able to identify, assess, select, and apply diverse techniques and data to engage effectively with theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates in politics;
• Be able to analyse and critically evaluate competing political theories, concepts, institutions, and processes from different theoretical perspectives in a variety of political contexts, producing reason- and evidence-based judgements and arguments.

• By the end of this module, students will have demonstrated:
• Effective, ethical, and competent use of information communication technology (ICT), including generative artificial intelligence, to develop, analyse, and present formal models of politics and quantitative information;
• An advanced ability to effectively communicate complex information based on formal theories of politics and data in written form with clarity, confidence, and precision;
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete tasks with a high-level of quality efficiently, effectively, and to a deadline, in which project design and management skills are required.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Digital Learning:
• The module uses a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide students with access to core materials that will support synchronous learning sessions, including:
• Required and additional readings for specific learning sessions that scaffold learning and ensure accessibility to synchronous sessions for all students
• Lecture recordings
• Curated on-line resources linked to specific learning sessions that provide representative and inclusive reference points for all students
• Appropriate multi-media and open educational resources
• Lectures:
• The modelling block introduces students via assigned readings and pre-lecture videos to the fundamentals of theoretical models and a variety of theoretical mechanisms, such as coordination and cooperation, commitment, signalling, bargaining, delegation, and behavioural mechanisms. Lectures build on the assigned pre-lecture material by applying techniques and concepts in individual and group exercises.
• The empirical research design block introduces students via assigned readings to key challenges of empirically evaluating theoretical predictions (e.g., accounting for alternative explanations, the fundamental problem of causal inference). Starting with an introduction to regression, students are then introduced to different empirical research designs, such as experiments, regression discontinuity, and difference-in-difference designs.
• Seminars:
• In the modelling block seminars discuss current research using formal models of politics and apply research insights to current and past political events. They prepare students stepwise for the group-summative assessment for this block;
• In the research design block seminars expose students to empirical research employing various research designs that are critically discussed and evaluated. Each session involves a workbook that walks students through the various steps of assessing the viability, implementation, and analysis of quantitative data for a specific design.
• Formative assessments:
• During the modelling block students are given three problem sets, which allow them to use the techniques and concepts. They aid students in developing the necessary analytical skills needed to complete the formal modelling group summative assessment.
• During the empirical research design block students are given two data analysis exercises and reports. These assignments allow students to develop their quantitative analysis skills using appropriate software and practice the effective communication of quantitative analysis for their individual.
• Summative assessments:
• Learning outcomes associated with the modelling block are assessed via a group project, where students in small groups (2-3 students) apply the concepts and techniques to analyse a political phenomenon or process. In addition to the essay and a group log recording the number of meetings and activities, each student is required to submit a completed individual questionnaire rating their own contribution and those of all other project members. To adequately reflect individual contributions to the project, markers reserve the right to adjust marks individually by +/- 10. Reports of individuals not contributing their fair share towards the project will be given a non-submission and effectively receive a zero.
• Learning outcomes associated with the empirical research design section are assessed via an individual essay requiring students to demonstrate and communicate their knowledge of quantitative empirical research designs using appropriate ICT.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Three problem sets and two data exercise and reports (1,000 words each).

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.