The final paper must be 4 to 5 pages. The minimum is four and the maximum is five (Note however: you will not be penalized for a longer paper but you will be for one shorter than the minimum). Anything less than four pages (not including footnote/endnotes) will be graded starting at a D. The paper is doubled-spaced. See specifics on how to write and use references in the paper below.
The Five Step Plan to Writing a Good Paper in Governments of the World Political Science 141
Essay topics:
1. What is the connection between immigration in France and the rise of the French extreme right National Front Party?
2. Identify and explain the hybrid elements in the Russian political system that pushes it toward authoritarianism?
3. Why and how is Guanxi and its relationship to corruption a political problem (issue) for the Chinese communist party?
4. How have ethno-regional divisions affected presidential and party politics in Nigeria?
For the final paper requirement in Governments of the World, you can pick one of the four essay topics presented above. Even though the topics are mostly the same as the shorter essay exercises, you do not need to use my opening paragraph. However, it is highly recommended that you follow the format. You may incorporate all or a portion of your earlier submission. You can also choose to write a completely new paper. The paper has to be between 4 to 5 pages. Anything less than 4 will be penalized. The fourth page cannot be reference page nor can it be half of a page, making the paper three and half pages. You will need at least three references. Recall that the textbook, Wikipedia, encyclopedias, yahoo, and Google are not sources but resources. Failing to meet these minimal standards and requirements will result in the paper being penalized in the grading. Below I provide an example of the 5 steps to writing a good paper. I use the example of China and corruption but the steps can be used for any of the other topics as well.
Do not put steps 1-5 in the paper. In other words, do not start the paper off with, Step 1 and then put in Step 2. This is meant as a guide to help you in the organization of the paper.
Step 1. The theory is the template question.
a. Specify the theory by turning the question into a statement.
For example: How is Guanxi connected to problems of corruption in China?
Theory statement: Guanxi is about personal relations and saving face. However, many in China rely on Guanxi ties to get jobs, economic opportunities, and open doors to power and privilege by paying bribes. The thesis developed in this essay is that Guaxi contributes directly to problems of corruption in contemporary China because it allows individuals to utilize personal networks to obtain favors and other benefits not based solely on merit. Also, it undermine the party’s legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
Step 2. Provide an explanation of Guanxi
a. In other words, explain what Guanxi is
Step 3. Provide illustrations of problems of corruption in contemporary China.
a. That is, provide supporting information on corruption (stylized facts)
Step 4. Explore the connection between Guanxi and corruption.
a. Also, discuss briefly why combating Guanxi and corruption has become central for the Chinese communist party. [Hint: the section on legitimacy in chapter three (social basis of legitimacy) could be useful. Rampant corruption is likely to erode a state and party’s legitimacy in the eyes of the public.]
Step 5. Concluding statement
Tips
Where do I start? The textbook.
For this particular example, I started with the textbook. However, even for a short essay, this is not enough. I then googled and found a treasure trove of information (stylized facts). While I used Wikipedia for more background information, I recognize that it is not something you cite in a paper. Nor is googling a citation. Googling is means of finding sources that you read and then cite. For instance, I came across this great article in an academic journal that helped me a lot in writing the essay. In addition, I found an interesting article in a newsmagazine. Also, I utilized an academic book full of useful information that aided me immensely in writing my essay. With these sources, I had more than enough information to write a good and well-informed essay. Moreover, I went to Purdue’s writing lab to make sure I had crossed all my Ts and dotted all my Is.
FORMATTING/PRELIMINARIES
Cover page excluded?
Appropriate length? <E.g. For the second assignment, 4-5 full pages, not counting sources> Page numbers included?
1-inch margins? Appropriate spacing (i.e. Single-spaced between paragraphs, when providing block quotations, and the first page heading? Otherwise double-spaced?) 12 point, Times New Roman font?
REFERENCES WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS:
If you place them in the text, they should be incorporated in this way. According to John Smith (1999, p. 3) …. or Increased trade has resulted in …. earning more income from its exports (Bauer, 2003, pp. 20-23). The full citation of the reference – book, article, newspaper source is placed at the end of the paper as a bibliography. For example, John Smith 1999. The Cost of Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Or you can use footnotes. For example, According to John Smith, trade has …. resulted in increased dependency …[1] With the full citation in the footnote at the bottom of the page.
[1] John Smith 1999. The Cost of Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 3.
