Suggestions for the First Short Writing Assignment

Choose one of the following analytical/theoretical pieces for the critique: Pastor, Harrison, Wiarda, Cardoso and Faletto, or Green.

  • Identify the main argument(s) of the author. What is his/her/their purpose in writing this piece/book? What is the author's approach (how is the subject studied)? Is the argument well organized? Is it clear? Are the concepts the author(s) use(s) clear and consistent?
  • Specify the strengths and weaknesses of the author(s)' argument and approach. First ask the simple questions: Is the argument consistently supported with evidence? Are there any contradictions? Then ask more difficult questions: Does the argument make sense to me, based on my own view of the world? Is the approach the author(s) take(s) useful for understanding the subject?
  • Think about alternative arguments that might be more useful/correct/clearer. Specify how these might improve the author(s)' claims.
  • Finally, provide your own synthetic assessment of the piece and provide an alternative approach, concept, theory or interpretation that you believe would minimize the weaknesses you identify in the piece.

    • Call upon your sense of logic as well as your growing knowledge of the debates and the literature on Latin American politics. Use collateral sources from the other required readings, Skidmore and Smith, and the video/audio materials.

    MOST IMPORTANT: AVOID DESCRIPTION AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. USE DESCRIPTION SPARINGLY TO SET UP THE AUTHOR(S)' MAIN ARGUMENT AND THE CONTEXT OF THE WORK, BUT USE MOST OF YOUR PAGES OF TEXT FOR CRITIQUE.

    The paper must be 5-6 pages in length, double-spaced, 12 cpi font size, Times New Roman, one-inch margins, AND PAGINATED. Deviations from this form will subtract points from the evaluation. You may use either endnotes or footnotes (although endnotes will not count against the length limits). Bibliographies are optional. Just be sure your citations are understood by the reader regardless of the format you decide to use.

    The professor will set aside a time for a discussion section concerning this assignment.