Course content

The students will write a research paper of up to 25 pages (9000-9500 words) in which they analyse a research question within the field of political behaviour, public opinion and elections. The person responsible for the course decides at the start of the semester whether the research paper may be written individually or as a group work. A group project requires a more extensive research paper and it should be possible to separate the contributions for the purpose of grading.

Learning outcome

To improve the students’ understanding of how theory and empirical observations interact in political science research on the topics of political behaviour, public opinion, and elections.

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures/seminars per week throughout the semester and term paper supervision.

Form of assessment: Research paper and written exam. The term paper counts for 2/3 of the grade, the written exam for 1/3. If you fail or want to re-take the exam, you would have to re-take both parts.

Compulsory assignments

• All the activities that are organized in the course are compulsory.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge of the main theories and concepts in political science. We recommend that the students have completed POL1000, POL1001, POL1002.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions