Term Paper Instruction

8-10 pages (double-spaced in 12-point font (30% of the course) – Due April 4)

Steps:
1. Select one topic: modern state/state-building, modern nation/nation-building,
democracy/democratization, authoritarianism, constitution, political parties and
protests, government, and political economy

2. Select two cases from: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Japan, Russia, China, and Brazil
you are free to select one of the cases from the global south, if you wish to.
The selection of the topic and cases should be confirmed by Teaching
Assistants.

3. Case Studies: Examine the topic in each case separately

Research Design

• Make a clear research question on the topic of interest in your cases

• Apply a specific theory to develop a general argument relevant to the
research question
• Discuss the main causes and dimensions of the issue of interest in
each case, separately
• Both case studies should be done within the elected theoretical
framework
• In conclusion, discuss what was similar and what was different (if any)
in the two cases.
Paper Structure:
1. Introduction: (1.5-2 pages (40 %)
A) Introduce your topic and cases: e.g. state formation in UK and Germany
B) Research question: which institutions provided the basis of state-building in the two countries?
C) Identify the theory that you use
D) Make a clear argument
E) Articulate how the rest of the paper elaborates on the argument

2. Case Studies: 40% (Each case study should not exceed (3-3.5 pages): examine each case in two separate sections. Each case
study should be used as the subtitle for the relevant section. Each case study should include:
A) An introductory paragraph: discuss what this case study is about (introduce the country and the topic you study in it)
B) A Background: e.g. if your research is on state building, provide a background of state formation in your cases, and explain
the origins and the underlying forces behind the process
C) In both case studies, sources must be cited properly.
3. Conclusion: 20% (1-1.5 pages) :conclude your findings (what did you find in each case? What were the main differences and
similarities? What were the reason of the difference and similarity?)
Expectations:

1. Clarity: the paper should be clearly written, free of grammatical errors.

2. It is important to articulate your research question, argument, and theory in
the beginning

3. References: Use relevant chapters of the textbooks (this is mandatory) and 6

extra academic sources (i.e. journal articles or book chapters) – 3 for each case
study.

4. Citation: all sources should be properly cited. You are free to select any
standard citation style (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago Manual of Style) but every
single paper should use only one style and use it consistently

5. Organization: An ideal paper will be organized in four sections divided by

subtitles (introduction, case study I, case study II, conclusion)