In this course you will receive an introduction into research methods in the space of social sciences. The course will present students with basic terminology, technical skills, and theoretical approaches necessary to perform successful research as a social science researcher. Additionally, students will learn about the ways that these techniques change the way that individuals understand social sciences issues. The information presented in this course is more than a set of abstract processes, rather it is essential to gaining amore complete understanding of the workings of social sciences and a prerequisite for anyone hoping to contribute valuable knowledge within the disciplines. As part of the process, students will have an opportunity to practice survey design, moderating focus groups, and interviewing. The course outcomes are: 1. Students develop and understanding of how social attitudes and behaviors are developed, fostered, and, at times, changed. 2. Students understand the rationale for the study of social sciences. 3. Students have a basic understanding of the processes through which we discern research questions in the social sciences space. In terms of the pedagogical approach, this class is incredibly interactive. In the few class sessions, I will use lecture to lay the groundwork for the class and share some of the important scholarship on the topics that we will cover. Each session will be structured around a different activity designed to help us meet the course outcomes. The activities include games, practicing research techniques, and debates. It is expected that students will be able to relate what we cover in the class to their own experiences. Likewise, many of the methodological tools we will learn will be useful in a variety of context. Even if students do not go on to do this kind of academic work, being able to read and critically assess research is essential.