Key concepts

• Overview of course contents
• Overview of empirical social science research (Ragin & Amoroso, 2011)
• Purposes of social science research (Ragin & Amoroso, 2011)

Before class

Required readings

1. Ragin, C. C., & Amoroso, L. M. (2011). What Is (and Is Not) Social Research? In Constructing Social Research: The Unity and Diversity of Method (pp. 5–32). Pine Forge Press.
2. Ragin, C. C., & Amoroso, L. M. (2011). The Goals of Social Research. In Constructing Social Research: The Unity and Diversity of Method (pp. 135–162). Pine Forge Press.

Inspiring video

In class

• Course introduction:
  • Course emphasis (a.k.a., “how to spend your time”)
  • Websites:
    1. Syllabus site
    2. Canvas for assignment submissions and grading
    3. Other learning tools/platforms.
  • Assignments
• Review final test and group project:
  • Quantitative Test (15 minutes)
  • Qualitative Group Project (25 minutes)
• Lecture on key concepts and frameworks (15 minutes)
• TA logistics (20 minutes)
  • Introduction
  • TA hours survey

After class

• Plagiarisms test (5 pts) due next week Friday.
• Complete surveys:
  • TA hours survey
  • Course survey (optional; Quiz on Canvas)
• Play with ChatGPT.
• Start to explore your customized learning options.