Course Details

Course Instructor: Nan Zhang (Office hours by appointment)

Course Website: https://nanzhangresearch.github.io/BA_Colloq

Date and Time: Wednesdays, 13:45 – 15:15 in SO 133 Seminarraum (Schloss Schneckenhof Ost).

Course Description

This course involves support for writing a BA thesis in political science. In this thesis, students will conduct independent research on a chosen topic which we agree upon during the semester. Students will need to design and carry a research strategy that includes (i) identifying an original contribution to a body of literature, (ii) finding or generating appropriate data, and (iii) conducting a rigorous data analysis. This colloquium is designed to help students progress along each of these steps by providing periodic feedback from the instructor and peers.

Course Structure

Essentially, this colloquium operates as a venue for students to “workshop” their ideas and obtain rapid and constructive feedback. Class sessions will comprise a mixture of independent writing exercises, peer-to-peer activities, and group discussion. For this format to be successful, regular class attendance and active participation are essential.

Of course, situations could arise where you need to miss class. As a courtesy, please let me know beforehand if you cannot attend a class session.

Course Requirements

You will complete a thesis comprising an original contribution to knowledge. The topic has to be agreed with the instructor. The thesis should be in the range of 8-10,000 words, and no more than 35 pages. It cannot exceed this upper page limit (including references, title pages, abstract, etc., but excluding any appendices) and you are required to provide a word count on the title page.

The thesis must be submitted by 31 May, 2024. You should submit an electronic copy to me via email. If you conduct quantitative analysis you will also need to submit electronic copies of your data and any syntax files (i.e. R or Stata code).

Weekly Schedule

Note: the following is simply a rough outline of how we will work during the semester. The weekly schedule is subject to change depending upon students’ progress.

Session 1 (14 Feb): Organizational Meeting and Research Questions

In class, we will develop a “rough draft” of a research question that you want to pursue in your BA thesis. We will reflect upon:

Session 2 (21 Feb): Literature Review

At this point, you should have already done some preliminary reading on your topic. Please come to class ready to explain where your proposed research sits within the wider literature. You should reflect upon:

Session 3 (28 Feb): Update on progress

Please update us on how your thesis has developed after a more comprehensive literature review:

Session 4 (6 March): Update on progress

This is the final round of feedback on your research question, literature review and contributions. You should leave this class with pretty firm ideas about:

Note that 8 March 2024 is the date for the registration of the thesis. The form is available here. Please send me a pdf version via email.

Nan is away on 13 March.

Session 5 (20 March): Data and Testable Implications

Students should come to class having already explored possible data sources and methods of analysis. Before we meet, please already reflect upon:

In class, we will work on linking your data to your theory and research question. We will discuss:

Easter Holidays

Session 6 (10 April): Writing Workshop

Please submit the following short writing assignment by 8 April 2024:

We will workshop these written materials in class. In particular, you will be paired with another student in order to provide feedback on each other’s work. You are expected to have already read your partner’s assignment and prepared written feedback (bullet points are encouraged!) before class meets. Class time will be devoted to discussing this feedback.

We will also briefly discuss the progress of your empirical work:

Session 7 (17 April): No class

Nan will hold office hours during our regular class time. You are encouraged to make an appointment if you have any issues you would like to discuss.

Session 8 (24 April): Presentation of preliminary results

You should now have generated some preliminary results. Please present one table or graph that forms the critical part of your analysis to the class. Your presentation should discuss:

You should also be prepared to serve as the “discussant” for one of your classmates’ presentations.

1 May: Tag der Arbeit

Session 9 (8 May): Writing Workshop

Please submit the following short writing assignment by 6 May 2024:

As before, you should read your partner’s work and prepare some written feedback before class. Class time will be devoted to discussing this feedback.

Session 10 (15 May): No class

Nan will hold office hours during our regular class time. You are encouraged to make an appointment if you have any issues you would like to discuss.

Session 11 (22 May): Writing Workshop

Please hand in a full draft of your thesis by 20 May 2024. This is the last chance to get feedback on your writing before the final submission.

As before, you should read your partner’s work and prepare some written feedback before class. Class time will be devoted to discussing this feedback.

Session 12 (29 May): No class

Nan will hold office hours during our regular class time. You are encouraged to make an appointment if you have any last minute! issues you would like to discuss.

The final thesis plus any additional material (e.g. data, code) necessary to replicate the analysis should be submitted electronically via email by 31 May 2024.

The electronic copy must be electronically readable, so not scanned or security protected.