This unit examines the diverse theoretical and methodological approaches used by political researchers, including, for example, institutional, behavioural, discourse and feminist approaches to political inquiry, and the use of quantitative and qualitative methods. The unit develops the student's ability to meet the demands of an independent project like an Honours thesis. It will cover selecting and refining a topic, identifying research to be undertaken and planning how to do it, bibliographic searches, and writing a report or thesis.

The seminar will provide a discussion-based setting to examine core topics in the field of international relations such as international security, international political economy, and international relations theory. Students will discuss and debate ideas, and develop analytical and research essays on topics pitched at an advanced level.

The seminar will provide a discussion-based setting to examine core topic areas in the field of politics, including public policy, political theory, and comparative politics, among others. Students will discuss and debate ideas, and develop analytical and research essays on topics pitched at an advanced level.

This unit is the first semester of a year-long project to complete an Honours thesis. Each student writes an 18-20000 word thesis under the supervision of a full-time member of the Government Department staff. The thesis is expected to make an original contribution to the study of politics and international relations and will count for 60 percent of the student's fourth year grade.

Each student writes an 18-20000 word thesis under the supervision of a full-time member of the Government Department staff. The thesis is expected to make an original contribution to the study of politics and international relations and will count for 60 percent of the student's fourth year grade.