Since the middle of the 20th century, social science disciplines such as Political Science have focused their research on using quantitative reasoning and analysis to answer their research questions. Recently, however, new qualitative methodology has gained increased attention, breaking away from the “classical” quantitative research paradigm that has dominated Political Science and other social science disciplines since the 1960s. This expansion in research methodology, which includes discourse analysis, textual analysis, ethnography among others – borrowed from sociology, anthropology, and philosophy, – has enlarged the scope of research and practice of political analysis. As political questions have grown more complex, scholars have turned to these new forms of research processes to address them. This conference will bring together scholars who have conducted alternative modes of research and seek to explore what can be gained from their particular approaches. Why did these methods need to be utilized to answer academic questions? What particular contributions do interpretive modes of analysis make to the understanding of complex issues? What is the place of methodology in formulating academic projects?

The conference will consist of panels as well as a roundtable discussion on the practical research implications of using interpretive methods, bringing together scholars who conduct various forms of research to discuss their work and its applications.

Abstracts are due March 1, 2009. Presenters will be notified by March 15, 2009. To submit abstracts please send an email to: interpreting.politics@gmail.com.