Course 2017-2018 a.y.

20469 - INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY - MODULE I


DES-ESS

Department of Social and Political Sciences

Course taught in English

Go to class group/s: 20 - 21
DES-ESS (6 credits - I sem. - OB  |  SECS-P/07)
Course Director:
GIOVANNI FATTORE

Classes: 20 (I sem.) - 21 (I sem.)
Instructors:
Class 20: GIOVANNI FATTORE, Class 21: SIMONE GHISLANDI


Course Objectives

In this course students are introduced to the main concepts and methods that are used in social science research with a special focus on policy evaluation. The course trains students to design their own research projects and to identify the methods, techniques and data for their research questions. After completing this course, students have an overall understanding of the range of methodologies for data collection and analysis as well as the fundamentals for study design in the economic and social sciences.

Intended Learning Outcomes
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Course Content Summary


    • Validity of research designs: statistical, internal, construct and external validity.
    • Sampling.
    • Randomized experiments and generalized causal inference.
    • Lab experiments in the social sciences.
    • Regression and instrumental variables.
    • Quasi-experiments.
    • Double Difference and Discontinuity Regression.
    • Social Network Analysis.
    • Content Analysis.
    • Systematic literature reviews and meta-analysis.

Teaching methods
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Assessment methods
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Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

For attending students
  • 30% team presentation of a research proposal.
  • 70% final written exam.

For non attending students
  • 30% individual research proposal.
  • 70% final written exam.

Textbooks

  • J.D. ANGRIST, J.S. PISCHKE, Mastering 'Metrics. The Path from Cause to effect, Princeton University Press, 2015.
  • Additional reading material are made available at the beginning of the course.
Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

NONE
Last change 23/03/2017 10:40