Comparative Politics Second Term Essay Assignment (Worth 20%

Comparative Politics Second Term Essay Assignment (Worth 20% of Final Grade)

Answer one of the questions in essay format, complete with a separate cover page and list of references. The essay must be typed, with normal margins, size-12 font, double-spaced, and stapled. Include all necessary information on your cover page (name, class number, essay title if desired, essay question number, student number, and date). The essay should be at least 8 pages long and no longer than 10 pages. Use scholarly sources, with at least 5 peer-reviewed references from reputable journals or books; avoid Wikipedia. Properly cite sources with page numbers or paragraph numbers. Your work must demonstrate original analysis and not just summaries or quotations from readings. Use any citation style, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment provides a choice among multiple questions related to contemporary political issues and analysis within the field of comparative politics. Students are expected to develop a well-researched, critical, and persuasive essay that engages deeply with the chosen topic. The importance of original contribution, empirical evidence, and clear argumentation cannot be overstated. Proper academic writing, including precise citations and thorough proofing, is essential to meet the expectations of the assignment.

This essay constitutes 20% of the final grade and therefore requires diligent research, structured reasoning, and careful presentation. Topics include examining political polarization in the US versus other countries, the role of militaries in post-WWII Japan and Germany, US-UK historical relations, electoral systems and representation, economic policies of Japan and France, Russia’s foreign policy actions, colonial legacies, the global role of the United States, and comparative analysis of superpower dynamics. Each question invites critical evaluation and comparative analysis, prompting students to utilize diverse sources and empirical data to support their arguments.

Assessment will focus on the quality and depth of research, clarity of argument, coherence of writing, and adherence to academic standards. It is crucial to structure the essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, explicitly stating and restating a compelling thesis. Proper referencing, avoidance of plagiarism, and thorough proofreading are mandatory. Students are advised to begin early, consult instructors for guidance, and approach the topics with balanced and nuanced perspectives. Engaging with both sides of an argument enhances credibility and depth.

References

  • Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and its Critics. Yale University Press.
  • Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die. Crown Publishing Group.
  • Lipset, S. M. (1959). Some Social Requisites of Democracy: Economic Development and Political Legitimacy. American Political Science Review, 53(1), 69-105.
  • Mouffe, C. (2000). The Democratic Paradox. Verso.
  • Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
  • Schmitter, P. C., & Karl, T. L. (1991). What Democracy Is... and Is Not. Journal of Democracy, 2(3), 75-88.
  • Skocpol, T. (1979). States and Social Revolutions. Cambridge University Press.
  • Scheiner, E. (2006). Democracy, Inequality, and Representation: Reconsidering the Role of Electoral Systems. Oxford University Press.
  • Yamamoto, D. (2018). Japan's Foreign Policy: The Quest for "Proactive Pacifism." Asian Perspective, 42(4), 611-629.
  • Ziblatt, D., & Levitsky, S. (2019). Token Democracies. Journal of Democracy, 30(4), 22-36.

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