UCD School of Politics and International Relations Scoil na Polaitíochta agus Gnóthaí Idirnáisiúnta UCD

Applications for Advanced Seminar in Politics 2021-22

The Advanced Seminar in Politics 1 (POL30860) and 2 (POL30870) is a year-long course where staff members of the School of Politics and International Relations introduce students to cutting edge research in the field. During the second half of the course, students write a minor thesis, under the supervision of a staff member in the school. The module has limited capacity and entry is competitive. Registration for this course is done manually.

To be eligible to take this course, you must be a final year student in 2021-22, who has completed Core Level 2 Politics modules. Students with a GPA of 3.40 and above will be eligible for consideration.

The deadline for submission is Friday 25th June 2021. You must include your academic results to date in your application that will be released on 18th of June. Queries can be addressed to spire@ucd.ie.

Google Application Form (Log onto UCD Connect Required)

 

N.B. The following is for your reference only. These are the module descriptions and the learning outcomes from the previous year.

Module Descriptions

Advanced Seminar in Politics 1, Autumn
Weekly seminars will take place on Wednesdays 4-6pm (TBC).

Module Description:
This module gives advanced undergraduate students the background, training and supervision needed to engage in a substantial piece of research. A number of members of staff of the School of Politics and International Relations will provide foundational background and methodology lectures in their various fields of expertise. Students will then produce a research proposal outlining a topic for which supervision is available and including an extensive literature review. The assignment will be developed under individual supervision. Participation in this module involves a large amount of independent work, and the self-discipline and initiative required to do substantial research.

Advanced Seminar in Politics 2, Spring
There will be no weekly lectures or seminars. Students will meet with their supervisor individually to discuss progress.

Module Description:
This module gives advanced undergraduate students the background, training and supervision needed to engage in a substantial piece of research. Under individual supervision, students will submit a thesis. Participation in this module involves a large amount of independent work, and the self-discipline and initiative required to do substantial research. Some workshops will assist in the development of the thesis, but the focus will be on independent work.
 

Learning Outcomes

  • How to do advanced research in Politics and International Relations, involving sustained argument and a good understanding of the relevant literature and data.
  • How to formulate a research proposal.
  • The background information and methodological techniques required to do advanced research.
  • The skills and discipline required to do advanced, independent research.