University Writing

Political Science 200/400-level capstone--Political Inquiry

Coordinator: Kelly Patterson
Contact information: 722 SWKT, 422-4985

Course Description:

The purpose of Political Science 200 is to acquaint the students with the skills necessary for successful writing and research. This course is founded on currently accepted premises about specific research principles in political inquiry. The capstone seminar helps students to develop their writing skills in the context of a specific topic in political science.

Prerequisites:

English 115 or equivalent

Year to be Taken

Sophomore/Senior

Recommended Majors Served

Political Science

Skills Taught in Support of Academic Training and Vocation

1. How to plan a research project.
2. How to collect data.
3. How to analyze data.
4. How to present the findings of the research effort.
5. How to document and verify information and conclusions in the social sciences.
6. How to think about grammar and style.

Vocations Prepared for

As part of a strong liberal arts major, Political Science 200 prepares students for work in many fields, such as: professional schools, research, MBA and MPA programs, and social science endeavors

Major Assignments

1. A qualitative research paper, including revision.
2. Specific grammar and style assignments.
3. Library research paper using multiple sources.
4. Computation and interpretation of statistics.
5. Evaluation of professional journal article.
6. An essay of a specific political theory.

Sample Textbooks:

1. Shively, The Craft of Political Research.
2. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations.
3. Hacker, A Writer's Reference.
4. Strunk and White, The Elements of Style.