Course Description

This course is intended to guide advanced majors through the process of designing and composing a research proposal for the comps paper option. At the end of this course you will write a final 10-page ‘prospectus paper’ in which you will define your research question, discuss relevant theories from existing political science literature, articulate a clear original argument related to this literature, and set out a research plan.

You are all advanced political science majors who have taken a term of methods. Accordingly, this class is designed to operate as a research workshop for a community of scholars who more or less know what they’re doing. I will review basic methodological issues and concepts within the first week or two, but will try not to spend too much time in monotonous repetition. Instead, this course will be mostly student-run. Beginning October 4, students will lead discussion. Each student will lead two discussions. First, a "literature review" discussion closer to the beginning of the term; and second, a "research design" discussion closer to the end of the term.

Prior to his or her literature review discussion, each student will assign a scholarly article to the class that holds a central position in his or her research area. On discussion day, the student will explain why the article is central and lead a critical conversation considering the strengths and weaknesses of the research. The research design discussion will follow the same pattern, except that the class will read a brief outline of the student’s proposed research design prior to discussion day. Evaluation will be organized on a 1000-points-total-possible as follows:

Abstract – 5% (50 points)
Literature Review – 15% (150 points)
Literature Discussion Leadership – 10% (100 points)
First Prospectus Paper Draft – 10% (100 points)
Research Design Discussion Leadership – 10% (100 points)
Final Prospectus Paper – 30% (300 points)
Other Participation – 20% (200 points)

Because this class will be primarily student-organized, its quality will depend upon your diligence. It is essential that everyone complete the readings and come to class prepared to discuss them. Good research is most often produced in a collegial, respectful climate of give-and-take among peers. Your preparation and attentiveness are essential elements of such a climate.

There is one book available for purchase in the bookstore for this course:

1. September 17 - Introduction and Summary of Departmental Expectations

Handout: Departmental Guidelines for the Paper Option

2. September 19 -The "Methods" Controversy, A Review (?)

• Designing Social Inquiry, Chapter 1, pp. 3-33
• David Laitin, "Disciplining Political Science," American Political Science Review 89:2 (June 1995), pp. 454-456. (Available on JSTOR or my website)