Entry requirements

Fulfilment of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is 30 credits in peace and conflict studies, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. Participation in Methods I.

Learning outcomes

After completion of this course the student is expected to be able to:

• Understand the principles of quantitative research and causal inference.
• Apply quantitative methods to answer a research question and test theoretical arguments.
• Understand and apply appropriate statistical models for different types of data and different types of designs.
• Independently conduct quantitative analysis using statistical software.
• Independently solve assignments within allocated time.
• Communicate in English, in writing and/or orally.

Content

The course aims to deepen the knowledge of quantitative social science methodology that students have acquired during undergraduate studies. The aim is to develop students' ability to use quantitative research methods in order to answer a research question and test theoretical arguments. Methods II offers training in quantitative research methods and casual inference, moving beyond linear regression and observational studies. Key techniques covered include generalised linear models and statistical models tailored to different types of data (e.g., count data, categorical data, and panel data) and different types of designs (e.g., experiments and natural experiments). To support students' practical applications of quantitative analysis, the course requires the use of statistical software.

Instruction

The course consists of lectures and mandatory seminars. The literature combines generic methods texts with applications

from the field of peace and conflict research. The course requires the use of statistical software. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

The grading will be based on short written assignments and a course paper, as well as active participation in lectures and seminars.

Grades: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U).

In order to receive the grade Pass (G), the student is required to:

• participate in all mandatory seminars and hand in proposed solutions to all assignments
• receive a grade of Pass on all four assignments

In order to receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG), the student is required to:

• participate in all mandatory seminars and hand in proposed solutions to all assignments
• receive a Pass with distinction (VG) on at least two assignments.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating and plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.