d125107 Social Research and Scientific Methods

CEVRO University
spring 2020
Extent and Intensity
0/0. Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Prof. Ing. Josef Šíma, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Department of Political Science and International Relations – Departments – President – CEVRO University
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
Course objectives
The course covers issues in political philosophy, economics, politics, and methodology of social sciences. It first sheds some light on the origin of commercial society, the wealth of nations and the role of property and trade; in the second part it introduces students to some major debates in political economy over the role of the state in the market system. The next part focuses on different methodological approaches how to study social reality; the final part offers examples of different tools used by economists and presents applications of political economy in diverse fields. Our general text which gives students with or without previous training in economics a wonderful overview of both theoretical issues involved and its applications will be Matthew D. Mitchell and Peter J. Boettke: Applied Mainline Economics: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Public Policy. Students should also read papers for individual topics listed below (and watch and listen to additional materials mentioned).
Assessment methods
A short paper on method After reading the assigned papers on method and after debates in class, give me your view about what method(s) and under what circumstances you find most appropriate or what (dis)advantages of particular approaches to study social reality you find of greatest value. You may talk about methodological issues from whatever perspective you like, you may add new dimensions which we did not have time to talk about in class (feel free to read more on the issue at stake - such as in Hausman's book attached). I expect a short paper of some 5-6 pages. Term Paper You are required to read and evaluate one book from the list below. Your evaluation has to be at least 10 pages long. You need to explain why the book is important, give your evaluation of the argument, explain what do you think is missing and/or - and this is very important! - what would be your suggestion for advancing the topic today. (So the last part of the paper should contain an outline of a positive research program extending the work you are evaluating.) List of books to be evaluated: Ludwig von Mises: Human Action F.A. Hayek: Constitution of Liberty James Buchanan: Democracy in Deficit Murray Rothbard: The Ethics of Liberty Mancur Olson: The Logic of Collective Action Edward Stringham: Private Governance Peter Leeson: Anarchy Unbound: Why Self-Governance Works Better Than You Think
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is also listed under the following terms fall 2016, fall 2017, fall 2018, fall 2019, summer 2020, fall 2020, fall 2021, fall 2022, fall 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (spring 2020, recent)
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