In Research Design and Methods, students will be exposed to key contentions and state of knowledge on doing research in the fields of international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict. The course aims to equip students with the theoretical, methodological and normative toolkits for formulating good research questions, practicing methodological creativity and in crafting research designs with integrity. The course is structured into three main parts beginning with lessons on the development of a research project, literature review and research significance. It then examines a range of toolkits researchers use in finding answers to their research questions. The remainder of the course examines ways of applying IR research within and beyond the academic environment as well as for a range of academic, policy and practitioner audience.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand theoretical, methodological and normative insights on conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Critically evaluate a pluralist and eclectic range of methodology, methods and ethical principles in conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Apply knowledge on conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict, in diverse and multiply-relevant ways from academic, policy to development practice environment.
- Develop a variety of communication and critical-thinking skills needed in sustaining socially-engaged and ethical scholarship in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Demonstrate understanding of the challenges and dilemmas associated with conducting social sciences research and awareness of how to address them
