A collaboration between the ANU School of Politics and International Relations, and, the Department of Political & Social Change convened by April Biccum and Nick Cheesman to promote interpretive political and social scientific research through undergraduate and graduate student training, workshops, seminars, podcasts, courses and more.  

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WORKSHOP: APRIL 10-11, 2025

Interpretive Methods for Trustworthy Political and Social Inquiry

This two-day workshop for current research students and recent graduates in the political and social sciences will train participants in methods with which to produce trustworthy research on issues that matter for our political wellbeing and societal integrity. The workshop will be led in person at the campus of the Australian National University by April Biccum (ANU), Nick Cheesman (ANU), Stefanie Fishel, (University of the Sunshine Coast), Nicholas Rush Smith (City University of New York), Helen Sullivan (ANU) and, Cai Wilkinson (Deakin).

Deadline for applications: Fri, 6 March 2025

For more information and to apply, please visit here.

SEMINARS

The IMC hosts a Seminar Series which promotes and celebrates work in interpretive and critical methodologies and methods in the social sciences. Seminars are on Fridays, 12 - 1pm, Australian Eastern Time (Standard/Daylight). For more information visit the series page.

PODCAST

New Books in Interpretive Political and Social Science

COURSES

POLS2137 Meaning in Politics (Syllabus)

POLS4047 Interpretation, Method & Critique (Syllabus)

POLS8047 Interpretation, Method & Critique (Syllabus)

THE INTERPRETIVE METHODS RESEARCH GROUP

We have a new group! The Interpretive Methods Research Group is now a specialist group of the Australian Political Studies Association. To join, go here and click the button marked JOIN A SPECIALIST GROUP OR CAUCUS. (You need to be a member of APSA to do so.) More information on the group and its planned activities will be available soon.