For courses in Political Science, Research Methods, Policy Research Methods, American Government, and Comparative Government. This comprehensive, practical writer's manual--created specifically for political science students--is designed to help students accomplish two goals: 1) improve their writing skills and strategies and 2) learn political science at the same time. It frees instructors from having to teach students how to write the papers most often assigned in political science classes. The manual considers the different types of papers common to political science classes at all levels--exploring the purposes and characteristics of each paper, the steps for writing a successful paper, and typical formats.

Table of Contents

PART 1 Welcome to Political Science 1 The Creative Study of Politics 2 Four Millenniums of Thinking About Politics 3 Current Approaches to Studying Politics 4 Some Quantitative Methods in Political Science PART 2 A Handbook of Style for Political Science 5 Writing as Communication 6 Writing Competently 7 Paper Formats 8 Citing Sources PART 3 Conducting Research in Political Science 9 Organizing the Research Process 10 Library Information Resources 11 Internet Information Resources PART 4 Critical Thinking and Acting in Politics 12 Book Reviews and Article Critiques 13 Writing to Communicate and Act 14 Critical Thinking Exercises 15 Elementary Policy Analysis: Position Papers PART 5 Papers Throughout Political Science 16 Descriptive and Analytical Research Papers 17 Comparing Governments 18 Policy Analysis Papers 19 Amicus Curiae Briefs 20 Public Opinion Survey Papers Glossary of Political Science Terms Bibliography Index