This seminar course aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills of qualitative research methods in political science and public administration. Students explore different ontological, epistemological and methodological perspectives of qualitative research in applied contexts, professional practice, and cultural settings. Students are specifically trained in major qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. In this process, students engage with assessment of primary sources and apply critical analysis of exemplary qualitative research in preparation for designing and implementing research projects on relevant topics. Overall, students are expected to enhance advanced competency in undertaking independent qualitative research of high quality and originality.

CILO-1: Identify key points of strengths and limitations of major qualitative research methods in political science/public administration. CILO-2: Discuss key points in designing a qualitative research project in political science/public administration, including collecting qualitative data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. CILO-3: Present research findings and arguments in a suitably structured and logical way that conforms to standards of academic practice both orally and in written form. CILO-4: Design independently qualitative research projects related to the student’s own research area.