Key Research Concepts In Politics And International Relation

Description:
The teaching of political research methods, either as a stand-alone course or integrated into subject specific modules, is becoming increasingly common in British academic institutions, underpinned by the growing demand for students to have acquired transferable skills and driven by an explicit emphasis upon teaching students how to 'learn how to know'. This text can be used by students and tutors of Politics and International Relations at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It provides explanations of concepts in political research methods as well as, uniquely, explaining how research methods are used in International Relations and providing alternative research concepts and strategies where necessary. Rather than being written in the more common chapter format of 'how to do', this text will focus on around 50 core concepts. Each concept will incorporate a simple definition, focused explanation, identify key debates and areas of research, and cross-reference to other related concepts. This format allows students and researchers alike to utilise the text either as a companion to specific modules, or on a 'dip into' basis. The following are the key features of this title: it provides an overview of the place of each concept in politics and international relations under the headings - meaning, origins and current usage; concepts are grouped into sections corresponding to the main themes usually covered in teaching; relevant concepts in the book are emboldened and linked by listing at the end of each concept; and, guidance is provided to further reading on each of the concepts discussed.