Your paper should produce a nuanced and critical analysis of a particular problem/challenge/question utilizing the theoretical and analytical frames discussed in the course. Students must decide upon their individual paper topics/questions in consultation with the instructor.

Theoretical and analytical frames

Paper Guide Length: · About 2000 words (5 to 7 pages: double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. Font, standard margins) Paper Topic: · Your paper should produce a nuanced and critical analysis of a particular problem/challenge/question utilizing the theoretical and analytical frames discussed in the course. Students must decide upon their individual paper topics/questions in consultation with the instructor. · Your Paper Could be: o A critical and more in depth analysis of one of the themes/topics discussed in the course by engaging closely with the supplemental texts assigned to the theme/topic, as well as by engaging with additional materials found through independent research.

Theoretical and analytical frames

A country report that analyzes political dynamics of one particular country by utilizing the concepts, theories, and methods discussed in the course. To do so the report must engage with course texts, supplemental readings, and additional materials found through independent research. o A comparative analysis of two or more countries to answer a specific and well focused research question. To do so the report must engage with course texts, supplemental readings, and additional materials found through independent research. Framing Question and/or An Argument The point of the paper is to answer a question or to make an argument. Your paper will have to have a thesis.

Theoretical and analytical frames

Your paper should make a point. There could be number of supporting points or sub-theses. However the paper should be organized around a main point/theme. So start the project with a well-defined question or argument. As you formulate your question or argument keep in mind that you only have limited space and limited resources and time to answer your question or prove your argument. So think seriously about what is possible to do given the scope of the paper and resources you have available. Your central question or the argument could be tentative at the beginning and may change during the course of your research and writing. However, your conclusion should be strong and complete.

Theoretical and analytical frames

By the end of the paper you should be able to answer your question and/or provide data and analysis to support your argument. Research In doing your research about a particular issue or a case you should consider the following two categories of information: 1. Theoretical Literature – what other scholars and experts are saying about the topic, what are some of the accepted conclusions or consensus about the topic, what are some of the controversies, debates, and disagreements surrounding the topic. 2. Data, statistics, examples that will help you understand and analyze the topic.

Theoretical and analytical frames

Finding Resources Consult the texts used and discussed in class and look up references (Foot Notes) there. You may do web searches to see what people – academic and non-academics – are saying about the issue in order to gain a broad understanding of the lay of the land. Read newspapers and magazine articles Use the library to search and look through online academic journals Find and read books related to the topic. Good Source v. Bad source · Keep in mind that you are not going to use everything you read or find while doing your research. Do not get overly committed to a particular source. https://youtu.be/4y1BAqOnhMM

Theoretical and analytical frames

In doing your research you must learn how to distinguish between good sources and bad sources as well as between useful and useless sources. · In making a judgment about good vs. bad sources you should ask who is the publisher of the material and how credible, trustworthy, and bias-free is the publisher. · Acceptable Sources o Books, published by university presses and major publishers. o Academic Journals or Periodicals o Data, reports, and papers produced by Governmental, Intergovernmental Organizations, Research Institutes, Think Tanks o Major Magazines, News Papers, and News Outlets · Suspect Sources o Encyclopedias – online or otherwise o Blogs o Websites of individuals and interest groups Writing your paper..

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