Researching politics and political issues is central to a range of distinct types of research activity both within and beyond academia. This module will introduce students to the conduct of political research by inviting them to engage with these different types of activities. For example, researching and writing a briefing document for a politician, think tank or lobby organisation, researching and writing a piece of political journalism and finally, constructing an academic research project with literature review and bibliography. This module will provide students with an awareness of the distinct analytical, presentational and writing skills required in conducting political research within these different contexts. In addition, the module will introduce students to the key methodological and theoretical issues that need to be considered in the development and design of a research project, for example, the selection of research methods and approaches.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the different forms of political research
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements and tools appropriate in researching and writing to different briefs
• Critical awareness of the key issues in developing and designing a research project
• Undertake political research to a set brief and independently

The module will be delivered through a combination of 22 lectures/in-lecture workshops and 5-6 seminars

Reading and analysing a range of research data and sources

Using the appropriate presentational and writing skills in responding to different research briefs

Understanding the key debates in the development and design of political research

Using the key arguments around theory and methods in political science in oral discussion and in written work

Oral and written communication skills

A portfolio of coursework made up of three elements:

25% - A piece of Political Journalism

25% - Research Briefing

50% - A plan and literature review for a research project

This module will examine a range of political research activities both within and outside academia, focusing on the different analytical, presentational and writing skills in conducting these types of research and the key issues which arise in developing and designing these research projects.

Students will engage with research in a range of contexts including academic research projects, constructing and conducting research within the civil service, the research activity of political parties, lobby and stakeholder groups, think tanks, research consultants and political journalism. Furthermore students will engage with key debates around research methods and approaches including ontological and epistemological debates within the social sciences, the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods and key theoretical approaches within political science.

Given the design of the module there is no single course text but a range general textbooks:

Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (eds) (2010) Theory and Methods in Political Science, 3^rd Edition (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)

Della Porta, D. and Keating, M. (2008) Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sciences: A Pluralist Perspective (Cambridge: CUP)

Burnham, P., Gilland Lutz, K., Grant, W. and Layton-Henry, Z. (2008) Research methods in politics, 2^nd Edition (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)

Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods, 4^th Edition (Oxford: OUP)

Moses, J.W. and Knutsen, T.L. (2007) Ways of Knowing: competing methodologies in social and political research (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan)

Walliman, N. (2011) Your Research Project: designing and planning your work 3^rd Edition (London: SAGE)

Pierce, R. (2008) Research Methods in Politics: a practical guide (London: SAGE)

Ridley, D. (2008) The Literature Review: a step-by-step guide for students (London: SAGE)