Redesign of POL 2603 Social Sciences Research Methods

Abstract

A major problem of the existing course is the lack of real-world contexts for student learning. Consequently students don't know when and how to apply what they learn - a critical shortcoming for an applied course. The redesign, based on the Discovery-enrichment curriculum, integrates two concrete steps - (a) a lecture series focusing on readily usable research skills and concepts, taught with cases of policy making and implementation, and (b) assignments requiring students to collect and analyze data of policy or management issues in Hong Kong. Our aim is to improve student learning of research methods and, more importantly, real-world applications of the tools and critical thinking in solving real-world management and policy problems.