Paper Instructions

The goal of this paper is simple: for you to choose, research, and analytically discuss an international political issue that you find interesting. The point is discovering what you critically think about your chosen topic. In addition, you must compare something – how different countries or organizations address the issue, how the issue has changed over time (i.e., comparing two time frames), etc. Once you have gathered and thought about all your information, analyze the issues carefully, with the goal of explaining and understanding. Then simply write down what ideas and thoughts pop into your head!

As is obvious from a quick glance at the syllabus and text there are many topics at play – problems of democracy, interstate relations, endemic poverty, terrorism – just to name a few. Each of these topics is complex and confusing in itself; many of them inevitably – or naturally – interact. Furthermore, many, if not all, of them contain related subtopics we might not address directly in the course, which you are free to pursue (pending approval of your topic).

So develop a topic of you own and research it, focusing on professional source materials, such as books and acceptable journal articles (such as from academic journals and other similar sources – i.e., not just anything off the web or from some newsstand magazine). Information obtained off transparent and vetted websites, such as government and internationally recognized news sources (BBC, CNN, AP, etc.) is acceptable as well.

As a side note, Wikipedia does not count as a valid site in and of itself. It is a reference or starting point only, but if used the citation links must be followed and cited.

However, please be clear to make the proper citations if quoting a source (and remember to limit your quotations, this is to be in your words not someone else’s!), and provide a bibliography at the end.

This paper is expected to be in the 10 page range, not including bibliography or endnotes/appendixes (if applicable). Standard formats are to be observed (double-spaced, page numbers, standard margins and typewriter-font size). In addition, your final draft must be printed (hardcopy).

Plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable, and university policies will be followed.