Survey Course on Transnational Studies

Presentation and discussion of current research in transnational studies with a focus on theories of international relations, international political economy, international law, and regional studies. The Survey Courses take place in block format during the first year of study.

Research Design

Courses in research methods belong to one of two categories:

• Introduction to Research Design: this course teaches specific skills in research design for the thesis and provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods. It takes place on a regular basis during the first semester of study.

• Research colloquia: the research colloquia consist of presentations and discussion of the candidates’ research projects. During the first year, they are linked to the Introduction to Research Design class. In the second and third year of study, a separate colloquium is organised in block format four times a year offering candidates a forum in which to regularly discuss their projects within a broader academic context.

 

Statistics

This course offered by the Hertie School of Governance (Hertie School) provides an introduction to quantitative research methods for public policy. By the end of the semester, students should become better acquainted with quantitative methods conducive to empirical policy research and gain the ability to understand and critique the techniques employed by others. No prior knowledge of statistics is assumed and we will make every effort to address concepts both quantitatively and theoretically. Additionally, every student will attend a weekly lab session run by a teaching assistant in which concepts will be reinforced, where possible, through hands-on application using Stata. The goal of this course is not only to produce sophisticated consumers of quantitative research but to provide the necessary skills for students to conduct their own research. As such, we go beyond the conventional stopping point for an introductory statistics course and spend several weeks on multiple regression.