INTL 3540 Research Methods in International Studies
Rigorous, systematic research methods are at the foundation of quality scholarship for students and professors alike. This class will introduce students to a wide array of research methods in an engaging, accessible way. Students will get hands-on training in how to ask good questions, generate their own original arguments, define and measure their concepts, and set up and carry out sophisticated research designs. Along the way, students will learn the basics of a variety of research methods. More information about the specific approach of each professor/section can be found on the Academics > Courses pages of the IS Program web site.
Course overview
- Department
- International Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Requirements fulfilled
- International Studies: Concentration: Cooperation and Conflict – approved courses (six courses in one concentration) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: Concentration: Ethics and Social Justice – approved courses (six courses in one concentration) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: Concentration: Global Cultures – Cultures and Social Movements cluster (six courses; electives must come from one cluster) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: Concentration: Global Cultures – Cultures at Work cluster (six courses; electives must come from one cluster) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.80 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.19 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Aaron Medlin | 2.6 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 1–3 hrs/week | 11 of 16 |
| Spring 2026 | Hiroshi Nakazato | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 19 of 21 |
| Fall 2025 | Aaron Medlin | 3.4 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 13 of 14 |
| Fall 2025 | Joseph Getzoff | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 15 of 17 |
| Spring 2025 | Stacie Kent | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 7 of 9 |
| Fall 2021 | Stacie Kent | 2.8 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 3.6 | — | 5 of 12 |
Data freshness
Instructors
Sections
- Section 01
- Section 02
- Section 01
- Section 02
- Section 01