Introduction to International Relations: Themes and issues (SESS0083)

qualitative methods|comparative case study|comparative historical analysis|process tracing|count

This module covers the basics of research design with an emphasis on comparative case study method. The first part of the module is devoted to developing a...

Qualitative Methods: Case Studies and Comparative Analysis (PUBL0086)

This module covers the basics of research design with an emphasis on comparative case study method. The first part of the module is devoted to developing a research question, constructing testable theories, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of comparative case studies, and concept formation. The second part of the module focuses on specific research tools used in comparative studies (e.g. historical analysis/process-tracing, field research, archival research) and their relative strengths and weaknesses. The final section of the module addresses the ways in which scholars combine different methods to study political phenomena.

The readings address purely methodological issues as well as show how choosing or failing to choose the right research strategy has crucial implications for how we address vital political and socio-economic questions.

This module considers theoretical and historical approaches to understanding individual differences for education, as well as evolutionary and cultural...

Individual Differences and Social Psychology in Education (PHDE0027)

This module considers theoretical and historical approaches to understanding individual differences for education, as well as evolutionary and cultural perspectives. We introduce students to theory and empirical research in individual differences and their influence on educational outcomes both directly and indirectly via factors such as emotion regulation, motivation, and theory of mind. Aspects of personality and prosocial and antisocial behaviour are critically discussed, as well as social cognition, self-identity and attitudes. We also consider the influence of constructs such as attachment and parenting on these constructs, as well as the importance of social networks and peer relations both generally and in the context of education.