POL. 100: WRITING, RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR THE POLITICS MAJORFall 2013 / Instructor: Professor Mindy Thomas / REVISED
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: or . Office: 205 Garaventa; Telephone: 510 /815-4478; Office hours: MF 1:30 to 2:30, or see me after class.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: English 5 and at least one Intro to Politics course in any of the four major areas. In special cases, the instructor’s permission may be substituted for the Into to Politics course
.
TEXT AND MATERIALS: Writing Research Papers Across the Curriculum, Susan M. Hubbuch (5th Ed.). Class handouts, library materials, and on-line sources will also be used in the course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help you learnresearch, analytical,and writing concepts and skills in the political science field. The course covers both objective and persuasive writing. The course curriculum is designed to make use of, adapt, and expand concepts, skills, and practices developed in English 5. This course will familiarize the student with analytical, research and writing skills in all four areas of the political science major: American Politics, Political Theory, International Politics, and Comparative Politics. The course methodology helps the student learn by presenting all of these skills and concepts in a “building blocks” system that presents basic skills and concepts in short assignments, and then builds on these basic skills and concepts to support their mastery in longer and more complex assignments.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After taking this course, the student will be able to demonstrate:
1. Clear and accurate understanding of political science writing in all four areas of the major;
2. Ability to produce effective written and oral communication in all four areas of the major; including competent citation, clear and careful organization around a competent thesis, professional format, grammatical presentation, analytical accuracy and intellectual depth;
3. Mastery of basic and more complex forms of argument in political science, including knowledge of types of political science writing, competent presentation of, and support for, both objective and persuasive analysis in all four areas of the major;
4. Effective engagement in the creative processes of intellectual political science writing, research, and analysis, including techniques for brainstorming, collaboration, revising, flexibility in thinking and research and reflecting on feedback, and
5. Competent,upper division level research skills in all four areas of the major.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: There are no excused absences for this course except in the case of illness or urgent circumstances. This includes absences related to participation in athletic programs. At the instructor’s discretion, absences must be reasonably documented and the instructor reserves the right to lower the student’s grade up to one full grade for excessive absences or excessive tardiness.
GRADING POLICY
All assignments are given a numerical score based on the number of maximum points possible for the assignment. Your cumulative number of points at the end of the course determines your grade according to the percentage of points you earn out of points possible in the entire course. For example, if you earn 95% of all possible points you will receive an A in the course; if you earn 80% of all possible points will receive a B in the course. The maximum number of points possible in this course is 870points. Please see individual assignments below for maximum points available on specific assignments. Grading scale: 100%- 93% = A / 92-90% = A- /89%-85% = B+ / 84%-80% = B / 79%-78% = B- / 77%-75% = C+ / 74%-70% = C / 69%-68% = C- / 67%-65% = D+ / 64%-60% = D / 59% and below = F
THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THIS COURSE: Please note the following very important information.
(1)late papers are not accepted unless there is an illness or urgent circumstance reasonably documented at the instructor’s discretion. All papers are due, on time, in print, when indicated below.
(2)The course is based on weekly assignments and weekly feedback from your instructor and/or your peers. This requires complete cooperation among all of us.
(3)Because this course is “scaffolded” (constructed on a building blocks system of increasing complexity) thecourse requires you to masterbasic skills, then develop and expand them on the schedule below.
(4)The course schedule is designed to give you feedback on each already- submitted assignment before the next assignment is due in order to incorporate learned skills, concepts and feedback.
(5)For all of the above reasons it is extremely important to stay current. If you think you are falling behind please see the instructor for help and support ASAP!
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS WITH MAXIMUM POSSIBLE POINTS:
ORIGINAL Assignments:
● treasure hunt: basic traditional, and computer-assisted sources, with basicbibliography citation of 10 sources (20 pts)COMPLETED
● treasure hunt:expanded traditional and computer-assisted sources, with bibliography citation of 10 sources (20 pts)COMPLETED
● Basic open-universe problem to locate “best” sources: American Politics (40 pts) with bibliography COMPLETED
● 3-page paper using open-universe problem in American Politics and “best” sources located. (50 pts)COMPLETED
●3-page closed-researchproblem with footnote citation: comparative Politics). (50 pts) COMPLETED
REVISED Assignments:
●MIDTERM: partially closed-universe analytical problem on government shutdown/potential default (American politics) outline of major issues and sources. (100 pts)
●5-page paper, on topic above, with footnotes included in text. (100 pts)
●5-page open research position paper (persuasive): outline of major issues and sources. (60 pts)
●Oral presentation(30 pts)
●Rewrite the open-universe, persuasive problem above (50 pts)
●Final paper: research phase, tentative outline, thesis, and list of sources for final paper: American politics (50 pts)
●Final 8-page persuasive paper with footnotes or endnotes and bibliography (due at scheduled time of final) (300 pts).
OTHER APPLICABLE COLLEGE POLICIES: Please be aware that this course is governed by the College academic honesty policy relating to students and that students with disabilities are entitled to accommodation as determined by the Office of Student Disability Services. Please feel free to ask the instructor, or make a private appointment for consultation, if you would like any help or information regarding these policies.
LIBRARY RESOURCES STATEMENT: Library staff members are available to help you as you find appropriate sources for your papers. The reference librarians are available to help you brainstorm strategies to search for sources, use appropriate databases, evaluate quality of sources, and answer your questions. Specifically, as political scientists we work closely with Sue Birkenseer. She should be the first person at the library you contact for help with locating sources. If she is not available there are other reference librarians waiting to help you when the library is open. Sue’s contact information is: , and 925-631-4255. You can also click on the “Ask Us!” link on the library home page for assistance. We will also participate in two workshops as a class at the library.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: (1)Please feel free to eat or drink in class as long as you are not disrupting your colleagues or the class activities. (2) Please turn off your cell phone in class unless it is absolutely needed (e.g., internet research that might come up). Lap tops are fine for note taking, but any student who texts in class will receive an automatic absence for the day. (4) Please feel free to ask me to repeat or review material in class if you find yourself confused or lost; I am happy to do so. (5) I am also happy to go over course information privately on office hours, as well. (6) In a scaffolded course such as this, mastery of later, more complex skills and concepts depends upon mastery of earlier, basic skills and concepts.Please do not be shy about asking for clarification or help at any time! In or out of the classroomI am happy to support your learning efforts – not only is it my job, it’s my pleasure!
THE CENTER FOR WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM: Students in this course are welcome to drop in or make appointments for one-on-one sessions with a CWAC Writing Advisor. Students may request weekly or bi-weekly sessions with the same peer Student Advisor. The CWAC is in Dante 202, is open 5-8 p.m.Sunday, and 2-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The phone number is 925/631-4684. Students can visit the CWAC for a wide variety of purposes, including but not limited to, brainstorming, help with organization and writing style, critical reading skills, citation form, draft revision, and research methods. A student consulting with the CWAC should always bring his or her assignments, texts, and related material. The CWAC engages in a collaborative style of learning that supports intellectual effectiveness and the writer’s empowerment. Services of the CWAC are free to Saint Mary’s College students.
COURSE OUTLINE (M/W/F)
WEEK 1 September 2-6 Basic, commonly-used political science sources and how to cite them(M=Labor Day; W/F classes only)
●Text: Please see Index p. 445: under “CMS,” look up and read relevant references (for Wed. and Fri) and read p. 413-414.
●Introduction to course and the four substantive areas of the major
●Making the transition from lower division to upper division writing, research and analysis
●why we use citation in political science writing
●Transitioning to The Chicago Manual of Style(CMS) for documentation
●CMS basic differences among bibliography, footnote, andendnote form
●Library tour, traditional and computer-assisted sources in political science,
● Proof reading your citation form, and basics to help you master both accuracy and reuse of citation form.
Assignment: hands-on library “treasure hunt” for traditional and computer-assisted sources in international, comparative and American politics, and political theory. Find all 10 items in the treasure hunt, and correctly cite each as it would appear in a bibliography in “CMS” citation style. (40) Due Monday, next week.
WEEK 2 September 9-12 Expanded political science sources and how to cite them
●Text, Please see Index, p. 445 under “CMS,” look up and read relevant references and read p. 413-414
●TURN IN LIBRARY TREASURE HUNT ASSIGNMENT
●Return, review, and discuss political science sources treasure hunt assignment
●expanding your knowledge of types of political science sources with subcategories of the type of source (e.g., scholarly journals: peer reviewed vs. non peer-reviewed journals)
●Building your understanding of CSM citation form for “reference list” (bibliography) of sources cited in a political science work.
Assignment: “treasure hunt” for practice and expansion of some specificsources (international, comparative, American politics, and political theory)Find all 10 items in the treasure hunt, and correctly cite each as it would appear in text in CMS citation form (40) Due Friday of this week.
WEEK 3 September 16-20 Basic, objective political analysis, research and writing
●Text, Section 1: What Is A Research Paper? Pp. 3-12; Finding the Evidence, p.49-52; p. 60-68.
●Return, review, and discuss second treasure hunt resources assignment
●What are “objective” or neutral” research, neutral analysis and neutral writingin political science?
●Taking into account the nature and identity of the “audience”
●Objective writing style, grammar, vocabulary, format, organization
●What is Political Theory?
●What is American Politics?
●Use of data to support objective assertions and analysis
●Dealing with ambiguities or conflicts in or among sources
●Different types of political science writing that are“objective” in all four areas of the major
●critical reading in the political science field.
●key concepts in researching political science: 1) professional vocabulary; 2)starting efficiently when you know an area; 3) starting efficiently when you don’t know an area; 4) what makes a source “relevant”; 5) what makes a relevant source “better” or “best,” and 6) the number of sources you need to support an assertion.
● Formation of an objective, analytical thesis using the four categories of the politics major
Assignment: Basic open-universe research problemsto locate “best” sources in American Politics problem. Briefly explain why you chose each source and cite each source in CMS bibliography form. (40). Due Friday of this week.
WEEK 4 September 23-27 Basic, objective political science research, analysis and writing, con’t
●Text, Section 2,Where Do I Begin, pp, 13-42, endnote citation form, p.
244-248, Section 4, Writing Your Paper, p. 128-145
●Return, review, and discuss “best” source assignment and bibliography
●Citation form in text: Endnote citation form and footnote citation form
●Formation of a more complex, objective, analytical thesis: class exercise
●Basics of the objective, expository introduction and conclusion
●outlining: adding subissues to the main issue outline: class exercise
●Adequacy of objective analysis: clarity, relevance of data and concepts, substantive rigor, level of appropriate detail, and responsiveness to question asked.
●cite checking as distinguished from citation form
●Writing organization: topic sentences and paragraph structure
●proofreading your work
Assignment:3-page paper using the sources you have decided are “best” (American politics) (60) Due Monday. PLEASE TURN IN 2 COPIES
WEEK 5 September 30-October 4 Expanding and applying objective analysis and writing to address more complex problems in political science
●TURN IN 3-PAGE AMERICAN POLITICS PAPER WITH ENDNOTES
●Text, Section 4, Writing Your Paper, pp. 128-145
●Return, discuss, and review 3-page paper (Friday)
●What is Comparative Politics?
●Essay exam writing: the transition to upper division writing
●Differences and similarities in objective and persuasive essay exam writing
● Organization of essay, quick outlining and “labeling” as organizational techniques, substantive accuracy,” effective exam timing, appropriate level of detail, your instructor as your audience.Class exercise, “labeling”
●What is constructive feedback and what is its value for you and others?
● In-class exercise: learning from reviewing, assessing, and giving feedback on the work of others (with instructor “rubric” and using article summaries from last week.
Assignment: closed universe problem in Comparative Politics:write 3-page exam essay responding to prompt. (50 pts)Due Monday
WEEK 6 October 7-11 Expanding objective research, analysis and writing in political science to more complex problems.
●TURN IN 3-PAGE COMPARATIVE POLITICS PAPER
●Text, pp. 409-412 (further info and review: end notes and footnotes)
●Return, review, and discuss comparativepolitics essay assignment
●Improving your use of data to support assertions:class exercise
●Dealing with ambiguities in sources in objective, analytical writing
●Flexibility in approach: to footnotes: how long and how detailed should they be
●Use of external sources and plagiarism: academic honestly, proper attribution of data, quotations,ideas, and paraphrases.
●Assignment:Begin midterm project REVISED: SEE ASSIGNMENT DUE FRIDAY OCT. 18 (100 pts.)
WEEK 7 October 14-18 Transitioning from objective research, analysis and writing in political science to “position” research, analysis and writing.
●Text, Section 3, Finding the Evidence: Review relevant parts
●More complex analytical objective research, analysis and writing
●Objective research methodologies and techniquesvs. persuasive research methodologies and techniques
●Determining when you have found the “answer” / how many sources does it take?
●Sufficiency of research: knowing when to stop:objective vs. argumentative research and analysis
● Review: reliability of data
●Cite checking and citation form revisited
●Purpose and form for footnotes within text, revisited
●Flexibility of approach: relationships among research data, issues, thesis, and outline.
Assignment: 5-page paper with footnotes using ongoing, open-universe problem in American Politics, with footnotes included in text. (100) DUE
DUE MONDAY OCT. 28
WEEK 8 October 21-25 Transitioning to more complex problems in political sciencethat require an argumentative position.
●Developing “position” analysis: format, credibility and ethics
●The thesis in argumentative writing.
I●Introduction to making an oral presentation: objective vs. argumentative
●Oral presentations: style, tone, format, professionalism
●Oral presentations: fielding easy and hard questions
● Oral presentations: clarity, accuracy, use of supporting data, level of detail
● The elements of good timing in oral presentations
Assignment: Prepare 5-minute (objective) oral presentation and 5 minute answer period for research problem just turned in.
WEEK 9 October 28-November 1 Expanding research, analysis and/or writing into the oral presentation
●ORAL PRESENTATIONS
● STUDENTS NOT PRESENTING PLEASE BE PREPARED TO ASK QUESTIONS!
Assignment: Rewrite your 5-page objective paper as a 3-page positionpaper that tells your state Senator, Diane Feinstein, the correct position (see assignment) DUE: FRIDAY 11/8
WEEK 10 November 4-8 Argumentative or advocacy writing in the political science, continued
●Text,Writing your persuasive paper: “Critical Papers,” pp. 145-155
●Making the transition from objective to persuasive/advocacy writing and analysis,con’t
●Specific types of political science writing that involve advocacy or persuasive writing
● Taking into account sources that weaken or contradict your position
WEEK 11 THE COMPLEX POSITION OR PERSUASIVE PAPER
●Understanding the task, reviewed
● Research strategies, reviewed
● Objective analysis as the basis of “position” analysis, reviewed
● Citation form, end notes, footnotes, bibliography, reviewed
● Keeping track of sources, reviewed.
● Types and sufficiency of data, reviewed
●Effective organization of persuasive analysis, con’t
Assignment: Begin research on final paper
WEEK 12 November 18-22 More complex forms of persuasive or advocacy writing in political science
●Researching persuasive problems, con’t: intellectual honesty and examining both positive and negative sources or data
●Revisiting how to find and take into account data and sources that support the position argued.
●Revisiting how to find and take into account data and sources that weaken the position argued
●Revisiting how to take into account ambiguities in data and sources thatcontradictthe position argued
●Developing more specific methods tor taking into account “negative” sources or data: distinguishing, discounting, acknowledging ambiguity or conflict, ordemonstrating weak relevance or,demonstrating irrelevance
Assignment: Continue research on final paper. Tentative outline, tentative thesis and preliminary list of sources for final paper.DUE11/25