PSCI 4783: Global Issues

Topical Paper Guidelines

The aim of the topical paper assignments is to encourage you to think analytically about some of the main course topics: 1) domestic/US trade politics and policy (due 9/26); 2) regional trade governance (due 10/31); 3) global trade governance (due 11/17); and 4) the interface between trade and other policy/political issues (due 12/3).

The papers are aimed at articulating, developing and scrutinizing an argument. This is *not* a descriptive paper recapitulating facts covered in readings and discussions. Instead, I want you to think about the topic at hand; develop you own ideas about something that is going on that deserves our attention; identify how it is best conceived or explained; set forth those ideas concisely and logically; scrutinize those ideas (in terms of alternative ideas and evidence); and make connections to broader course themes.

The short papers are thus compact exercises in argumentation. They need to be clear, concise, logical and forceful. Here are some of the nuts and bolts. Failure to respect these requirements will result in point deductions.

• You must have a title page (not included in your page total) which provides a descriptive title (something other than “short paper #x”) and your name. Your name should not appear anywhere else in the paper.
• Papers must be double-spaced, in 12-point font, with normal margins, paginated, and spell-checked.
• Papers must not exceed 5 pages in length, not including references and title page.
• Do not bind the papers other than with a staple at the top-left corner.

In terms of structure, the only requirements are as follows.

• You must have an introductory paragraph comprised of four elements: 1) mood music; 2) thesis/argument; 3) plan/outline; 4) implications. This should be very brief, certainly not more than a page.
• You must have a concluding section which summarizes the arguments and findings and identifies implications.
• You are otherwise free to structure your paper as you see fit, but let me emphasize that I strongly favor a logical and transparent structure (e.g., with subheadings).

Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in sizeable deductions. No late papers will be accepted. Your topical papers will be assessed on the following rubric:

Item	Possible	Rec'd	Comments
Appropriateness of Topic	10
Intro paragraph	5
Conclusion	5
Overarching Question/Thesis	15
Logical and Empirical Clarity	15
Logical and Empirical Consistency and Thoroughness	15
Factual Accuracy/Appropriateness	15
Grammar/writing style	10
Sum | Parts (Overall impact)	10
Totals	100	0