Format:
https://guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=85880&p=552105
https://www.citationmachine.net/american-political-science-association
Criteria-
Analytical Essay- 25%: You will be expected to write a 6-7 page essay on a specific policy in an
American State (title and sources do not count towards this total). This essay should be
argumentative with a clearly defined position. This argument must be based on facts and
evidence, not just your opinion. Before starting this paper, you must clear a topic with me by
Friday, January 26th. Be sure to make it clear that you understand who the appropriate actors,
institutions, and outcomes are in the paper.
This grading for this paper will be based upon your ability to clearly articulate your thoughts and
your ability to think critically and analyze the topic. To do this it is vital to write a clear and
well-defined thesis statement. If you do not have a thesis statement, or if it is difficult to
understand what the paper is arguing, your grade will inevitably suffer. Also, be sure that the
essay is coherent and well-constructed. Avoid stray thoughts and make sure the essay flows.
You will be expected to uphold proper research standards. This means you must primarily use
academic, peer-reviewed sources as your evidence. At a minimum, this essay should include AT
LEAST five sources. Please send me a list of your sources by Friday, March 8th. You will be
required to move beyond class material to be successful on this assignment. Be careful not to
include questionable sources from the internet. If you have a question if a particular source is
appropriate or not, please come and see me. In class, I will go over how to use IU’s databases so
you can utilize them for this course. Be sure to cite all your sources within the text! Also, you
will be required to provide a reference page, so I know which sources you used while grading.
The format of this paper should follow APSA guidelines. The guide for APSA can easily be
found online. The paper is to be double spaced using 12-point times new roman font. Standard
one inch margins should also be used. Remember to number your pages and place your name on
the paper. You will fail the assignment if I cannot tell which paper is yours.
This paper is due Friday, April 26th at 11:59 PM by email. These papers will be graded and
back to you before the final exam. If you are unsure about your topic or if you have general
questions on the assignment, please do not hesitate to come and see me for guidance. I also
suggest visiting the Writing Center for guidance.
Topic-
North Dakota House Bill No. 1508. This is a bill that ensures that a school district or public school does not, “include instruction relating to critical race theory in any portion of the district’s required curriculum.” For the purpose of this paper I am going to argue in favor of this policy. I will use facts and data to analyze why this policy will be beneficial to the K-12 students of North Dakota as well as the possible outcomes if this policy is not enforced.
Sources-
https://epaa.asu.edu/index.php/epaa/article/view/7926
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3102/01623737231221155
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14782103241232721
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EDI-01-2023-0040/full/html
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13613324.2024.2306380?casa_token=_9g7z8hZUgUAAAAA:s-r7lHr9hZcdWbOPV_Bal76vU9DDBw1w5M9fzLKPL_gNc7TDCN_K2DrD7q5N7fJfiF1DZqBvk4Y
