Overview
The purpose of the essays is to present your own argument which builds on the readings on a specific topic. Guidelines:
Introduction: Motivate the topic
- Present the main phenomena of interest
- Refer to political phenomena of current interest, debates in the literature, theoretical puzzles, etc.
- Preview the argument you are going to make.
- Analytical summary of the readings. Give structure to the readings related to your topic.
- Is there something important the authors have missed? This is where your discussion starts.
Argument
- Your paper should make a single argument or a series of highly related arguments.
- Be clear: define your concepts and how they relate to each other.
- Use empirical material (facts, numbers, history) to back your argument.
- Go beyond a summary of the readings to make an argument.
Conclusion
- Summarize your main points
- Anticipate possible weaknesses your audience might raise.
- Discuss counterarguments and limitations of your argument.
Essays should be no longer than 3-4 pages, double-space 12 pt font