Research Paper - Choose Theme and Topic

For this assignment, write a paragraph describing the the research idea that, in consultation with me during office hours, you have chosen as the subject of your research paper.

The topic you choose should be related to one of the issues that we cover in the "2. Themes" module in the course, though I am flexible with how strongly related it is. You should frame your topic in the form of a research question, and your research question should be causal in nature. Your research question itself should also be framed in general terms rather than about specific countries. For instance, a research question might be "What is the effect of colonialism on economic development?".

You should then specify at least two countries you will compare to address your question. Generally, you'll want your two countries to fit either a most similar or most different design. For instance, under the first paradigm, you could pick two countries that are extremely similar in every way except for the factor that you think is important to your outcome. Using the example question, this would be two countries where the levels of colonialism differ but other important variables that might affect economic development are the same. In contrast, under the second paradigm, you could pick two countries that are extremely different in every way but the same when it comes to your causal factor. Again using the example question, this would be two countries with similar colonial experiences but where other factors affecting economic development (e.g. natural resource endowment) are different. The type of data you use (qualitative or quantitative data) as well as the level of analysis (individual-level up to country-level) would be up to you. In some situations, I may allow a paper that draws on data from a single case—if you would like to take that approach, talk to me.

By the end of the class, you will have produced a research paper of at least 2,500 words (roughly 10 pages) in length, not including citations. Keep this target length in mind as you are thinking through potential topics. Generally, the best papers focus on a research question that is focused enough (e.g. on a small period of time or on a specific entity) to be discussed in 2,500 words while also having enough uncertainty about the answer (e.g. not a factual question such as "who are the Young Turks?") so that the student can provide their own unique argument.

I am okay with students doing a group paper, but in that case the word requirement will be higher. Please contact me about this during office hours if you are interested in this option.

Office hours consultation (2 points)

I will keep a record of who comes in to talk with me before the due date, and you will earn two points for doing so.

Paragraph summary (1 point)

You paragraph should contain at least two things. First, the research question you plan on addressing. Second, which countries you plan on comparing, the time period you plan on comparing them during, and why (spend the most time on the why - what justifies your choice, based on preliminary reading?). You can add any other context you feel is necessary. Unless the summary is completely unrelated to what we discussed/the conflict or does not contain a research question, you will earn full credit for turning in a paragraph.