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Discover ECPR's Latest Methods Course Offerings

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Maths Refresher – FREE COURSE

Course Dates and Times

Monday 25 February – Friday 1 March, 08:00–08:50
This is a FREE supplementary course. You must register and pay for a one-week or two-week course in order to take it. To book, please check the box when registering. If you have already registered and would like to add this course, email methodsschool@ecpr.eu

Susumu Shikano, course instructor for Maths Refresher – FREE COURSE at ECPR's Research Methods and Techniques
Susumu Shikano

susumu.shikano@uni-konstanz.de

Universität Konstanz

Quick maths refresher focusing on topics essential to better understand analytical tools in modern social scientific research.

Such tools include statistical models (e.g. linear regression, factor analysis), estimation techniques (e.g. least squares, maximum likelihood), measurement, formal modelling, and all kinds of inferences.

The course deals with:

  • logic
  • algebra
  • calculus
  • matrix
  • probability

Logic is essential for sound inferences as well as for theory formation. Algebra, calculus and matrices are essential for formal modelling and for better understanding statistical models and estimation techniques. Probability playes a crucial role in statistical models as well as measurement of theoretical concepts.

We won't be able to discuss individual topics thoroughly in such a short space of time. Instead, I will emphasise the relationship between mathematics and individual aspects of social science research.

After this course, you can extend your knowledge of maths through the recommended readings, depending on your areas of interest.

Instructor Bio

Susumu Shikano is Professor of Political Methodology at the University of Konstanz. His research interests are spatial models of politics and various topics in political behaviour.

His work has appeared in journals including Public Choice, Political Psychology, Party Politics, West European Politics, and the British Journal of Political Science.

 @SusumuShikano

Basic algebra (secondary school level)

Each course includes pre-course assignments, including readings and pre-recorded videos, as well as daily live lectures totalling at least three hours. The instructor will conduct live Q&A sessions and offer designated office hours for one-to-one consultations.

Please check your course format before registering.

Online courses

Live classes will be held daily for three hours on a video meeting platform, allowing you to interact with both the instructor and other participants in real-time. To avoid online fatigue, the course employs a pedagogy that includes small-group work, short and focused tasks, as well as troubleshooting exercises that utilise a variety of online applications to facilitate collaboration and engagement with the course content.

In-person courses

In-person courses will consist of daily three-hour classroom sessions, featuring a range of interactive in-class activities including short lectures, peer feedback, group exercises, and presentations.

Disclaimer

This course description may be subject to subsequent adaptations (e.g. taking into account new developments in the field, participant demands, group size, etc.). Registered participants will be informed at the time of change.

By registering for this course, you confirm that you possess the knowledge required to follow it. The instructor will not teach these prerequisite items. If in doubt, please contact us before registering.

Day Topic Details
Monday Logic
  • Basic concepts (connectives, predicates, quantifiers)
  • Inference
Tuesday Algebra
  • Variables
  • Functions and Equations
Wednesday Matrix algebra
  • Calculation with matrices
  • Inverses of matrices
  • A system of equations in matrix form
  • Determinants
Thursday Calculus
  • Differential calculus
  • Partial derivatives
  • Integration
Friday Probability
  • Probability axioms
  • Probability functions
  • Random variables
  • Joint and marginal distributions
Day Readings
Monday

Patrick Suppes (1957) Introduction to Logic. Dover. Chapters 1-4.
Tuesday

Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 1.
Wednesday

Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 3-4.
Thursday

Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 5-6.
Friday

Jeff Gill (2006) Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research. Campbridge University Press. Chapter 7-8.

Software Requirements

None

Hardware Requirements

None

Literature

Austen-Smith, D.; Banks, J. S. (1999). Positive Political Theory I: Collective Preference. University of Michigan Press.

Austen-Smith, D.; Banks, J. S. (2005). Positive Political Theory II: Strategy and Structure. University of Michigan Press.

Gary King (1989) Unifying Political Methodology. The Likelihood Theory of Statistical Inference. University of Michigan Press.