RESEARCH PAPER   (under construction)

1.  Research Paper Guidelines

Each member of the class will prepare a research paper. The paper must a) explain why the topic is
important in studying American politics, science, and climate change,  b) propose a research question or hypothesis, c) review the relevant literature, d) present careful analysis and explanation, and e) draw a conclusion about the implications of the study.  POLS 308 should be used as a guide when writing your paper.

• The paper must be typed, double-spaced using 12 font, referenced in a scholarly style, and
  should run 10-12 pages excluding bibliography and tables/charts.
  
• The paper must have a cover sheet and have a minimum of ten (10) scholarly sources
  (books, journal articles, government reports). Other sources, e.g., the course books, non-scholarly websites, newspaper articles, etc. are acceptable but do not count toward the scholarly sources noted above.
  
• Each page of the paper except the cover sheet must have one inch margins and have a page
  number.
  
• Students are cautioned to identify the source of material used in the paper. The penalty for
  plagiarism is an "F" on the paper.
  
• A topic for the proposed paper along with a half page summary and five (5) scholarly sources
  (books and journal articles only) is due in class on February 13. The instructor will return the
  proposal with written comments to you on February 20. Late proposals will result in 5 points
  being deducted from the grade on the research paper. Failure to submit a paper proposal will result in 10 points being deducted from the grade for the paper.
  
• Papers are due in class on April 15. Late papers will be reduced two (2) points per day
  beginning the day the paper is due.
  
• Note about paper topics:  Your instructor highly suggests that you do not change your paper topic later in the semester since problems usually arise resulting in difficulty for the student including missing the final submission deadline. Select a topic of interest to you early, make sure that you have a sufficient number of sources, and stay focused.

Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions!

2.  Research Paper Evaluation Criteria*

1. Presentation
   title page, margins, page numbers,
   paper length, clean copy
2. Conceptual Understanding 
   hypothesis, research question,
   theories, literature review
3. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
   objectivity, clarity, analysis, use of tables, figures,
   graphs where appropriate
4. Writing Style
   introduction and conclusion, grammar, spelling, organization
5. Source Materials
   quality and quantity, diversity, proper documentation

*Adapted from the department's criteria for assessment of research papers

Examples of Scholarly Journals

American Journal of Political Science
American Political Science Review
American Politics Research
Congress and the Presidency
Conservation
Current History
Environment
International Political Science Review
Journalism and Mass Communications Quarterly
Political Communication
Political Behavior
Political Research Quarterly
Presidential Studies Quarterly
Public Opinion Quarterly