Teaching the Scientific Study of International Relations to Undergraduates

In: PS: political science & politics, Band 35, Heft 1, S. 127-131

Abstract

Most political science undergraduates are not taught about theory or its role in the social scientific study of politics. This paper addresses this issue & outlines ways in which undergraduate political science courses can integrate theory & science. This integration is demonstrated by highlighting two undergraduate courses taught at Pennsylvania State U. The paper then offers five ways in which theory & science can be incorporated into any political science course: (1) adequately define "science" & "theory," (2) explain to students why they must learn about science & theory, (3) address questions related to the relevance of these concepts, (4) utilize research assignments to teach theory, & (5) understand that theory can be taught without relying on statistics or other complex means sometimes unavailable to undergraduate students. 2 References. K. Larsen