Marcus Kreuzer, a Political Science Professor at Villanova University, discusses his book, which synthesizes interpretive and positivist research designs in Comparative Historical Analysis (CHA). He explores the concept of the 'grammar of time,' emphasizing its importance in understanding context and historical methodology. Kreuzer advocates for bridging methodologies to enhance political analysis and critiques traditional methods. His enthusiasm for teaching complex concepts reflects his commitment to making research more accessible for students, fostering a renewed appreciation for CHA.
56:59
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Context Is Constructed and Theoretical
Context in political science is multi-dimensional and constructed, not just noise to control for.
Theorizing involves pivoting perspectives to understand contexts holistically.
In 'Naming Nature', Carol Kaesuk Yoon delves into the history of taxonomy, from Carl Linnaeus to modern times, highlighting the clash between scientific classification and human instinct. The book explores how taxonomy reflects a deeply human practice of ordering and naming the living world, and how reclaiming this practice can rekindle our connection with nature.
The Grammar of Time: A Toolbox for Comparative Historical Analysis
The Grammar of Time: A Toolbox for Comparative Historical Analysis
Marcus Kreuzer
Theda Scotchpole's book on the origins of the American welfare state
Theda Scotchpole's book on the origins of the American welfare state
Theda Skotschwal
In The Grammar of Time: A Toolbox for Comparative Historical Analysis (Cambridge UP, 2023), political scientist Marcus Kreuzer synthesises the different strands and traditions of Comparative Historical Analysis to show how interpretive and positivist research designs might complement rather than compete with one another. Like the contents of the book, our discussion on this episode of New Books in Interpretive Political and Social Science is wide-ranging and lively, addressing topics like the many types of time, the meaning of its “grammar”, the importance of context, debates over transparency and replicability, and why pedagogy matters. Whether you are persuaded by Kreuzer’s advocacy for CHA or not, you will surely appreciate his enthusiasm to communicate about it, his deep knowledge of methodology and respect for its various traditions, and his concern to build (rather than burn) methodological bridges.
Like this episode? Why not check out others in this special series on the political science channel of the New Books Network, including the previous episode, also from the Methods for Social Inquiry book series, with John Boswell and Jack Corbett talking about The Art and Craft of Comparison.
New Books in Political Science 
