Dr Ranjit Lall CBG.08.01

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Political Economy, MSc in International Political Economy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in International Political Economy (Research). This course is not available as an outside option.

MSc students are required to write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic within the field of IPE approved by the student's dissertation lead. The dissertation need not be an account of original research and may rely on secondary sources. 

1 hour of lectures in the MT. 4 hours of lectures and 4 hours of workshops in the LT. 1 hour of workshops in the ST.

There will be a 60-minute preliminary lecture in the MT about the Dissertation process and 4 lectures in the LT on specific topics  and concepts relevant to the dissertation process. In the 60-minute of small group workshops, the students apply the concepts introduced in the lecture to their own research projects. Two members of the teaching faculty will work between groups to support them and answer questions. The last ST session will be a ‘drop in’ opportunity for students to raise questions and discuss their specific concerns.

Students submit the initial topic and research question early in LT; and a more detailed 4-5 page dissertation plan later in LT.

George, A., & Bennett, Andrew. (2005). Case studies and theory development in the social sciences (BCSIA studies in international security). Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.

Gerring, J. (2006). Case study research : Principles and practices (Second ed., Strategies for social inquiry).

King, G., Keohane, Robert O., & Verba, Sidney. (1994). Designing social inquiry: Scientific inference in qualitative research (Princeton paperbacks).

Seawright, J., & Gerring, J. (2008). Case Selection Techniques in Case

Study Research: A Menu of Qualitative and Quantitative Options. Political Research Quarterly, 61(2), 294-308.

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) in August.