PS 401: Guide to Research Paper

The Assignment

Choose a policy area or policy proposal that has been a matter of political debate since 2010. Discuss the role of Parties in shaping the nature of the policy/proposal and its success or failure in becoming law. Briefly describe the policy, key issues at stake, and, if appropriate, how the parties have evolved on the matter. How have the attitudes, intensity, and actions of the party in the electorate influenced this matter?  What about the roles of Party Organizations and Party in Government? In sum, how has the nature and process of this policy been shaped by the contemporary context of American political parties. The paper should be analytical and should rely extensively on outside research. You are responsible for the complete details of the paper assignment at: http://faculty.chass.ncsu.edu/shgreene/PS401/paper2.htm. 15 pages maximum.  See full guidelines here.

Grading

Assignments will be graded according the following criteria. An "A" paper should have the following properties: no typographical errors, no awkward sentences, clear, coherent, and focused arguments. Most importantly, you should answer the questions in the assignment thoroughly and accurately based upon your research and what you have learned in this course.   Though you need to make sure to answer all the individual questions, you should also aim to have a clear and coherent central theme to your paper. Although understanding the chosen policy is important, do not forget that first and foremost this is a paper about the role of political parties in American politics. You should rely extensively on outside sources to strengthen your argument. You will need to properly cite these sources using an in-text citation style (i.e., no footnotes; see one of the recommended styles in the links below). The best sources will be mainstream publications and websites, not just random webpages you come across. You should rely on sources that are as objective as possible (e.g., a White House press release or interest group webpage are not objective sources) and as relevant as possible. A significant part of your grade will reflect the quality and thoroughness of your research. You are encouraged to express well-founded opinions in the paper, but recognize legitimate counter-arguments and try to remain as objective as possible. You are producing a work of social science. Papers will be downgraded to the degree that they fail to meet these standards. Click here for the long version of the grading criteria.
About the Outline
I am primarily looking to see that you have made significant progress on your research such that you have been able to identify appropriate sources to answer the questions in the assignment.  I am likewise looking to see that you are on an appropriate analytical/conceptual path in how you are thinking about how you will answer the questions in the assignment.  I am not concerned about the format about this outline or of the references you list, but rather I am assigning this step so that I can encourage you to get a start on necessary research and thinking well before the due date and so that I can provide helpful guidance/advice at this stage if needed.  

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Last Updated January 7, 2024

Steven Greene