Politics of Central America and the Caribbean
Political Science 332-001
Fall Semester 2008

Paper Assignment

Required Papers: Each student will complete a 20-25 page research paper on a topic of your choosing approved by me.  This paper will be written incrementally over the course of the semester and handed in for evaluation and feedback as we write each component. 

• Part one of this assignment is the issue paper.  This paper is a basic description of the problem you are interested in studying with an explanation of why you think it is important (What are you writing about - provide the relevant background or history - and why?).  Length, approximately 5-7 pages; citations of all sources; typewritten 12 point font, 1 inch margins.

                DUE: September 16

• Part two of this assignment is the literature review.  In this element you will describe what everyone else has said about your research topic and begin marshalling evidence to support (or not) your argument (here is where you will probably figure out what your argument actually is).  Length, approximately 5-7 pages; citations of all sources; typewritten 12 point font, 1 inch margins.  

                DUE: October 14

• Part three of the this assignment require that you articulate your now considered position on the issue (based on the research and reading you have been doing) and provide an explanation of whether or not your argument is supported (or not) by the literature.  If it is not supported by the literature you will explain what the literature lacks that you are contributing. Length, approximately 5-7 pages; citations of all sources; typewritten 12 point font, 1 inch margins.  

                DUE: November 4

• Part Four of the assignment is the completion of the final research product.  Here you conclude your paper by summarizing your main points, drawing conclusions and possibly making predictions based on your research findings.  You combine the first three papers into a coherent and seamless entity that leads into your new and final section.  The paper is worth 60% of your final grade and is due on the last day of class.  Late assignments are penalized a letter grade for each day past the due date. Length, approximately 25-30 pages; citations of all sources; typewritten 12 point font, 1 inch margins.   I can hardly wait to read them!

                DUE: December 2