Political Science 113 - Data in International Relations

This course provides an introduction to the field of International Relations (IR). It examines key debates in IR, such as the origins and consequences of wars, the influence of organizations like the UN, the IMF, and the WHO, and international cooperation on global challenges like climate change. Students will evaluate the evidence supporting these debates. They will do so by focusing on the political origins of data and how such origins shape critical patterns in the data. They will research and compare existing datasets provided by international institutions and others collected by academic laboratories. They will also analyze and visualize data using the open-source programming language and environment R. Previous knowledge of R is recommended, but it is not a prerequisite. The course aims to enhance students' ability to analyze and use evidence in global debates critically. It fulfills requirements 1 and 2 of the Five College International Relations Certificate.

Requisite: Recommended prior coursework, familiarity with the open-source programming language and environment R is recommended, but not required. 

Limited to 25 students. Fall semester. Associate Professor Mattiacci 

How to handle overenrollment: Students will be selected randomly, so each student has the same probability of being selected for the class, regardless of their major or year.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Group work; quantitative work; an emphasis on written work.