Instructions
Assignment 1 – Research Proposal
To complete this assignment you are asked to:
(1) Identify a research topic that analyzes the interactions of state, non-state, and supranational actors to examine for your 10-12-page research paper that is due at the end of Week 8
(2) Identify a specific research question that your paper will address. The question should be analytical, and not descriptive, in nature (The question should examine why something happened, not describe how it happened).
(3) Offer a brief explanation of the topic and your planned research
Research Topic and Question:
Your proposed research question should be approximately one paragraph (combined with a brief introduction, this first part of the paper will be between 1/2 to 1 page) in length and concisely state the issue you are proposing for the Research Paper, and the specific question that you are interested in answering.
You will have considerable leeway in choosing your topic, although it should center on patterns of conflict and cooperation in the international system. Examples of appropriate topics are, for instance, the relative success and failure of regional integration efforts, but you could also look at one particular instance of regional integration. You may want to explore the causes and nature of war, or peace. Make sure to identify your general topic, but also a concise research question that can be answered in the space and time that you have available.
Of course, you can always message your instructor with any questions about a relevant paper topic.
Purpose Statement:
The purpose statement (second section of the paper) should be approximately 1-2 pages in length and outline (1) why you chose this particular topic and (2) why it is important (3) what you expect to learn.
The third section of the paper is a preliminary literature review (approximately 2 pages) of the first 6 sources you have selected—at least 2 of which must be scholarly/peer-reviewed sources.
The entire proposal should be no more than 5 pages in length.
Submission details:
Submit through the Assignments tab under Week 2, Research Question/Purpose Statement Name your file LASTNAME#1.
General Instructions for Assignments
All assignments should be written in Word and uploaded as attachments within the Assignments section of the classroom. Use 12 pt. font and double-space. Be sure to put your name and class information on the document and put your name on the file. Insert page numbers. Assignments will be graded using a rubric appropriate for your class level.
