The course is conducted in English。

This course provides undergraduate students with basic knowledge of how to conduct empirical research on international relations (IR). To this end, the course is organized into two sections. The first section introduces academic writing skills. Students will learn how to formulate research questions, implement literature reviews, and prepare an appropriate research design. Given the emerging challenges of artificial intelligence (AI), the instructor will also coach how to use and avoid the misuse of AI in academic writing. In the next section, the instructor will demonstrate how to use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys and interviews. To be familiar with these skills and approaches, students should work with their teammates and actively participate in the group exercises. Students majoring in public administration and political theory are welcome to take this course as a substitute for “Research Methods of Social Science” in their curriculum requirements. However, please note most of the course materials are composed of IR theories and cases. If there is room for additional course registration, preference would be given to senior and junior students, respectively. Permission codes will be provided in the class of September 2. Though the course is conducted in English, students can choose to complete the assignment and exam in either English or Chinese. Lectures will not be recorded.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to 1. Identify and formulate research questions 2. Produce literature review that shows gaps in the scholarship 3. Develop a research design that answers questions 4. Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses 5. Collect data and evidence to validate the arguments 6. Ensure ethical approaches to human subject research

The class meeting comprises a lecture and a group exercise: 1. Though the instructor lectures on methodology and methods, students should read the required materials and come well prepared to class. Without adequate preparation, students are unable to engage in the discussion and contribute to the teamwork. 2. During the in-class exercises, students are encouraged to work with their cohorts with technology equipment such as laptops and i-Pad. However, AI tools like Chat-GPT and oral communications are prohibited during the final exam.

1. Leanne C. Powner, Empirical Research and Writing: A Political Science Student’s Practical Guide (Washington D.C.: CQ Press, 2014). 2. Luigi Curini & Robert Franzese, The SAGE Handbook of Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations (London: SAGE Publications, 2020).