Essay Instructions: The purpose of this assignment is to write an analytical paper where you will use a major current topic connected to one of the countries discussed in class and explain the issue from various perspectives.
A good paper should follow the requirements below:
1. Substance of the Paper: Descriptive, background information or history necessary to understand the country under study, but this type of information should not dominate the paper. Remember this is a political science paper.
The paper then must offer an evaluation (not simply a description) of the selected topic. Moreover, be sure to present reasoned arguments based on logic, evidence, and examples rather than assertions of opinion.
For example, if the student selects “Political Corruption in Nigeria” as the paper topic, the paper should focus on current events that deal with Nigeria’s political institutions, its leaders, or its foreign policy, and evaluate not simply describe the event or events, using evidence drawn from bibliographical resources.
Quality Writing and Structure: The final paper should be well written in formal English.
a. Begin with a clear and coherent thesis statement or research question.
b. Include a roadmap paragraph that explains how the paper will be organized and presented.
c. Use subheadings and subsections to organize the paper.
d. Have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Be sure the body addresses the key features of the assignment discussed under “substance of the paper” (above).
e. Use persuasive, analytical, third person voice. Avoid the use of me, my, I, we, our, you, and your.
f. Avoid the use of contractions in formal papers such as it’s, don’t, can’t, and weren’t. Instead use it is, do not, cannot, and were not.
The criteria to be used in evaluating the paper will be the caliber of research, understanding of subject, quality of analysis, quality of writing and overall presentations, the degree of independent thinking, and the use of evidence and reasoning to reach meaningful conclusions. It goes without saying that the paper must meet the stated goals of the assignment and the guidelines (discussed above).
At least two, but more is good, hard book sources are required. Here is my list of possible sources, they don't have to be used.
Cowen, Tyler. "The Immigration Answer? It's in Mexico's Classrooms." New York Times 30 November 2006: C-3.
Dickerson, Carla. "Mexico's economy expands faster; The second-quarter rate is below expectations, but it snaps a streak of four quarters of decelerating growth." Los Angles Times 17 August 2007: C-3.
Durand, Jorge and Douglas S. Massey. Crossing The Border. New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2004.
Reynolds, Maura and Sam Enriquez. "Calderon pressures Bush on immigration; The Mexican leader says the U.S. does too little to stem the flow. Drugs are also an issue." Los Angeles Times 14 March 2007: A-6.
Roig-Franzia, Manuel. "Mexico Tries a Slower Path To Changes on Immigration; Strategy Includes Strengthening Domestic Job Market." Washington Post 12 March 2007: A09.
Zuniga, Victor and Ruben Hernandez-Leon. New Destinations. New York: Russel Sage Foundation, 2005.