Instructions: Treat this assignment as a proposal for the research essay you will write for Assignment 3. Before you begin writing Assignment 1, read the instructions for Assignment 3, the research essay.
There are four elements to this assignment, but they are not weighted equally:
1 countries chosen
2 topic to be examined
3 expected findings
4 annotated bibliography
Points 2 and 3 are substantially more important than the others.
Requirements:
1 Select two countries to compare in your essay. Select one or both of the countries from among those covered in the course. Explain why you chose the particular countries you chose. Perform a binary comparison, not simply a case study of two countries. (UK and France)
2 Propose the topic you wish to examine in your comparative study. For example, you may wish to examine how globalization has affected each of these two countries and how and why each country has reacted to globalization. Keep in mind that this is only an example; you are not obligated to select this topic. The possible topics you could examine are limitless. You should discuss what you would like to examine with your tutor.
Remember, the purpose of comparative analysis is to explain something. Comparative analysis is not simply describing what has taken place or is taking place in two or more countries; the information that you provide should substantively increase the reader’s understanding of the context, basis, and methodology with which the two countries have responded, in the given example, to globalization. If you choose a different topic, for example an examination of democratization in two countries, you will still be explaining something. With an appropriate elaboration of what this concept means, you will examine what has led to or undermined efforts at democratization in the two countries. Perhaps political party structure, the kind of federalism, the role of bureaucracies, or ethnic cleavages, etc. can explain the democratization you observe. Do not submit a proposal that is simply a description of two countries—this is not acceptable. Review Chapter 1 and Unit 1 commentary before completing your proposal.
3 Propose what you expect to find in your comparative study. For example, in terms of the globalization example, you may find that globalization has had positive or negative effects, or both, in one or both of your selected countries. What accounts for these effects or divergent results and outcomes between the countries’ institutions, processes, etc.? You may also want to explore the similarities and differences between these two countries’ responses to globalization and explain these similarities and differences. Or, if we take the democratization example, what has happened in terms of democratization in these countries, and why? You may find it useful to think of comparative analysis as defining a dependent variable—that which is to be explained, and one or more independent variables—those things that will do the explaining. However you choose to conceptualize your task, be sure that you are explaining something.
4 Propose the relevant chapters from the Hauss text, required readings, Study Guide units, and other sources you plan to use for your essay. Be sure to explain what these other sources will contribute to your essay; in other words, explain why you chose them and what value you anticipate they will contribute to your analysis. Be very brief here, as in a sentence or two.
For “other sources†refer to book chapters and academic journal articles other than those provided in the course. You can use quality sources from the internet, but you must consult with your tutor to be sure that those sources are acceptable. You must use at least three (3) other sources in addition to any materials covered in the course. Note that internet sources (other than online journal articles) do not count towards these three additional references.
Please remember that your research essay is relatively short, so make your proposal realistic. You do not have the space to examine a lot. You are not expected to write the last word on your topic or try to cover everything, so define a strong focus. Also keep in mind that, although we have used globalization and democratization as examples in the instructions to this assignment, these are intended to be examples only. You are not obliged to write about either of these matters. You may choose federalism/unitary government (discussing similarities or differences and explaining these things); responses to poverty, health care, and economic policy; responses to political demands from various groups in society; attitudes
