PLSI 200.11, Spring 2007, Research Paper Guidelines

The Paper: A paper of five to seven pages is relatively short. This means that your essays should be focused. Be sure your paper addresses all of the questions in the assignment you choose, and contains

- an introduction with a clear thesis, stated early

- a body of the essay in which you develop several key points, supported by cited works

- evidence of critical thinking

- a conclusion that resolves your discussion and recaps your main points

- at least four academic references

At Least Four Academic References: Please think about the topic, do some reading, and develop your own stance on the question. As you make your case in the paper, support your argument with outside material. Your paper must contain at least four cites from scholarly works, that is, from peer-reviewed journals or books. If you have any questions about whether a source is peer-reviewed, then see the links on the course web page on identifying scholarly resources, or contact me. Note that whenever you draw on outside material you must cite that source, whether it is academic in nature or not. Some sources that are not considered scholarly references include:

- newspapers and magazines

- popular books that are not peer reviewed

- a web page that does not contain peer reviewed material

Citation Style: Proper citation is an absolute must. The preferred style is APSA (American Political Science Association). However, MLA and APA parenthetical styles are acceptable. Consult a writing manual for these guidelines. I have put a link to writing style manuals on the course web page. Before you write your paper, review the statement on plagiarism in the course syllabus and review the SFSU web pages on plagiarism, linked from the course web page. If you have any questions, then talk to me. You can fail the paper by not citing your references appropriately.

Writing Style: You will be graded on the quality of your writing as well as the substance. This includes grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling, etc. In addition, be sure to use the following format:

- use a title page (and please title your paper)

- do not use binders; simply staple the upper left corner

- put your name on the title page only

- include a "works cited" or "references" page

- keep your papers within the required range

- use normal-sized fonts and margins (10 to 12 point fonts and one-inch margins)

- use either double-space or space-and-a-half line spacing for the text of the paper

Due Date: The paper is due by 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25^th. You may hand it to me, slide it under my office door (HSS 128), or place it in my mail box (HSS 263). It must be printed in a hard copy; electronic versions will not be accepted. Late papers are penalized as explained in the syllabus.

Meet With Me: I strongly recommend you come to talk with me about your paper. Most students benefit by going over their plans with me.

Good luck. I look forward to reading your papers and hearing your thoughts on these topics.