300174 Methods of Sociological Inquiry (S) (SoSe 2016)

This course is an elementary introduction to conduct social science research as well as to understand and evaluate the research conducted by others. A general overview of how sociologists collect information about social phenomena is the main goal of this course. Through this course you will be trained to conduct empirical research by doing it. After an introduction to the elements of sociological research, we will apply the concepts in the readings. Coming prepared and being willing to participate are very important for this class.

My goals in teaching this course are threefold: (1) to introduce you to the language and logic of empirical research design, (2) to expose you to a variety of research method, and (3) to make you learn first hand about the successes and problems of empirical research.