political science thesis statement

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

• Undergraduate
• Honors Thesis

Writing Tips for Theses

Tips for writing a thesis proposal.

1. Find an area (or subfield) that interests you.

Look for a topic that combines personal excitement with scholarly potential. Does  your past work at Northwestern reflect themes that run through the choices you have made? Do you find yourself selecting classes on a general topic or returning to a subject repeatedly? Is there a question or an event that has really captured your attention, or something happening in the world that appears puzzling and that you would like to make sense of?

2. Transforming a topic into a research question

Most first efforts at formulating a research topic are either too specific or too broad.

Questions that are too specific have a yes, no, or fairly easily reached empirical question.  Examples of too specific questions include: Why was smoking in restaurants banned?  What led to President Nixon’s near impeachment? 

Broad questions, by contrast, lack focus and need to be narrowed and framed in a way that makes the topic researchable. The quickest way to make progress is to write a paragraph about the topic, and take it to Political Science faculty member to discuss.

As you reflect, ask yourself what specific concerns led you to the general issue? How did you first see the problem? What events stand out? Around what cases do the discussions revolve? Was there an important book, newspaper article or lecture that piqued your interest? Is there a recurrent argument about current affairs? Formulate questions with these specific facts in mind. Talk with others about the topic, including political science faculty members and TAs.

3. Formulate a research question in a way that widens its appeal.

Merely exploring a topic because it interests you is not enough; the thesis must pose a question that subsequent research attempts to answer or resolve. This question should be framed in a general way that highlights its importance. “Why was John Roberts confirmed to be a judge on the US Supreme Court” is probably too specific. It would be better to ask “What factors lead to success or failure in the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices?” You may end up answering this question by looking at confirmation hearings across time or by a comparison of just two nominees. The key is that the question is important in its own right and that answering it provides insight that is useful beyond the specifics of the case.

Even with a carefully posed question, you still need to highlight its importance. Explain why it matters whether or not someone is confirmed for the US Supreme Court, and explain why confirmation is problematic enough to be worth 60 to 100 pages of analysis.

More advice on selecting a thesis topic and crafting a proposal are available at the following website:

http://www.charleslipson.com/How-to-write-a-thesis.htm

Concerning the Form of the Thesis

The watchword for writing a long research paper is  structure .  The format of your paper should reveal the structure of your thinking. Devices such as paragraphing, headings, indentation, and enumeration help your reader see the major points you want to make.

Headings can convey the major topics discussed in your paper. A research report typically contains four basic components:

• Statement of the  problem  or theoretical question that gave rise to the research, and an explanation of why the problem or question is important to address.
• Discussion of how the research was  designed  to clarify the problem
• Analysis  of the data or information produced by the research
• Summary  and conclusion of the study

Although you could include those sections in your report without separate headings, the underlying logic of your paper will be more readily apparent with headings that identify its basic components: (1) the problem, (2) research design, (3) data analysis, (4) summary and conclusion. Obviously, you can adjust or elaborate on these generic headings depending on your topic.

Political Science

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you to recognize and to follow writing standards in political science. The first step toward accomplishing this goal is to develop a basic understanding of political science and the kind of work political scientists do.

Defining politics and political science

Political scientist Harold Laswell said it best: at its most basic level, politics is the struggle of “who gets what, when, how.” This struggle may be as modest as competing interest groups fighting over control of a small municipal budget or as overwhelming as a military stand-off between international superpowers. Political scientists study such struggles, both small and large, in an effort to develop general principles or theories about the way the world of politics works. Think about the title of your course or re-read the course description in your syllabus. You’ll find that your course covers a particular sector of the large world of “politics” and brings with it a set of topics, issues, and approaches to information that may be helpful to consider as you begin a writing assignment. The diverse structure of political science reflects the diverse kinds of problems the discipline attempts to analyze and explain. In fact, political science includes at least eight major sub-fields:

• American politics examines political behavior and institutions in the United States.
• Comparative politics analyzes and compares political systems within and across different geographic regions.
• International relations investigates relations among nation states and the activities of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and NATO, as well as international actors such as terrorists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multi-national corporations (MNCs).
• Political theory analyzes fundamental political concepts such as power and democracy and foundational questions, like “How should the individual and the state relate?”
• Political methodology deals with the ways that political scientists ask and investigate questions.
• Public policy examines the process by which governments make public decisions.
• Public administration studies the ways that government policies are implemented.
• Public law focuses on the role of law and courts in the political process.

What is scientific about political science?

Investigating relationships.

Although political scientists are prone to debate and disagreement, the majority view the discipline as a genuine science. As a result, political scientists generally strive to emulate the objectivity as well as the conceptual and methodological rigor typically associated with the so-called “hard” sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, and physics). They see themselves as engaged in revealing the relationships underlying political events and conditions. Based on these revelations, they attempt to state general principles about the way the world of politics works. Given these aims, it is important for political scientists’ writing to be conceptually precise, free from bias, and well-substantiated by empirical evidence. Knowing that political scientists value objectivity may help you in making decisions about how to write your paper and what to put in it.

Political theory is an important exception to this empirical approach. You can learn more about writing for political theory classes in the section “Writing in Political Theory” below.

Building theories

Since theory-building serves as the cornerstone of the discipline, it may be useful to see how it works. You may be wrestling with theories or proposing your own as you write your paper. Consider how political scientists have arrived at the theories you are reading and discussing in your course. Most political scientists adhere to a simple model of scientific inquiry when building theories. The key to building precise and persuasive theories is to develop and test hypotheses. Hypotheses are statements that researchers construct for the purpose of testing whether or not a certain relationship exists between two phenomena. To see how political scientists use hypotheses, and to imagine how you might use a hypothesis to develop a thesis for your paper, consider the following example. Suppose that we want to know whether presidential elections are affected by economic conditions. We could formulate this question into the following hypothesis:

“When the national unemployment rate is greater than 7 percent at the time of the election, presidential incumbents are not reelected.”

Collecting data

In the research model designed to test this hypothesis, the dependent variable (the phenomenon that is affected by other variables) would be the reelection of incumbent presidents; the independent variable (the phenomenon that may have some effect on the dependent variable) would be the national unemployment rate. You could test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables by collecting data on unemployment rates and the reelection of incumbent presidents and comparing the two sets of information. If you found that in every instance that the national unemployment rate was greater than 7 percent at the time of a presidential election the incumbent lost, you would have significant support for our hypothesis.

However, research in political science seldom yields immediately conclusive results. In this case, for example, although in most recent presidential elections our hypothesis holds true, President Franklin Roosevelt was reelected in 1936 despite the fact that the national unemployment rate was 17%. To explain this important exception and to make certain that other factors besides high unemployment rates were not primarily responsible for the defeat of incumbent presidents in other election years, you would need to do further research. So you can see how political scientists use the scientific method to build ever more precise and persuasive theories and how you might begin to think about the topics that interest you as you write your paper.

Clear, consistent, objective writing

Since political scientists construct and assess theories in accordance with the principles of the scientific method, writing in the field conveys the rigor, objectivity, and logical consistency that characterize this method. Thus political scientists avoid the use of impressionistic or metaphorical language, or language which appeals primarily to our senses, emotions, or moral beliefs. In other words, rather than persuade you with the elegance of their prose or the moral virtue of their beliefs, political scientists persuade through their command of the facts and their ability to relate those facts to theories that can withstand the test of empirical investigation. In writing of this sort, clarity and concision are at a premium. To achieve such clarity and concision, political scientists precisely define any terms or concepts that are important to the arguments that they make. This precision often requires that they “operationalize” key terms or concepts. “Operationalizing” simply means that important—but possibly vague or abstract—concepts like “justice” are defined in ways that allow them to be measured or tested through scientific investigation.

Fortunately, you will generally not be expected to devise or operationalize key concepts entirely on your own. In most cases, your professor or the authors of assigned readings will already have defined and/or operationalized concepts that are important to your research. And in the event that someone hasn’t already come up with precisely the definition you need, other political scientists will in all likelihood have written enough on the topic that you’re investigating to give you some clear guidance on how to proceed. For this reason, it is always a good idea to explore what research has already been done on your topic before you begin to construct your own argument. See our handout on making an academic argument .

Example of an operationalized term

To give you an example of the kind of rigor and objectivity political scientists aim for in their writing, let’s examine how someone might operationalize a term. Reading through this example should clarify the level of analysis and precision that you will be expected to employ in your writing. Here’s how you might define key concepts in a way that allows us to measure them.

We are all familiar with the term “democracy.” If you were asked to define this term, you might make a statement like the following:

“Democracy is government by the people.”

You would, of course, be correct—democracy is government by the people. But, in order to evaluate whether or not a particular government is fully democratic or is more or less democratic when compared with other governments, we would need to have more precise criteria with which to measure or assess democracy. For example, here are some criteria that political scientists have suggested are indicators of democracy:

• Freedom to form and join organizations
• Freedom of expression
• Right to vote
• Eligibility for public office
• Right of political leaders to compete for support
• Right of political leaders to compete for votes
• Alternative sources of information
• Free and fair elections
• Institutions for making government policies depend on votes and other expressions of preference

If we adopt these nine criteria, we now have a definition that will allow us to measure democracy empirically. Thus, if you want to determine whether Brazil is more democratic than Sweden, you can evaluate each country in terms of the degree to which it fulfills the above criteria.

What counts as good writing in political science?

While rigor, clarity, and concision will be valued in any piece of writing in political science, knowing the kind of writing task you’ve been assigned will help you to write a good paper. Two of the most common kinds of writing assignments in political science are the research paper and the theory paper.

Writing political science research papers

Your instructors use research paper assignments as a means of assessing your ability to understand a complex problem in the field, to develop a perspective on this problem, and to make a persuasive argument in favor of your perspective. In order for you to successfully meet this challenge, your research paper should include the following components:

• An introduction
• A problem statement
• A discussion of methodology
• A literature review
• A description and evaluation of your research findings
• A summary of your findings

Here’s a brief description of each component.

In the introduction of your research paper, you need to give the reader some basic background information on your topic that suggests why the question you are investigating is interesting and important. You will also need to provide the reader with a statement of the research problem you are attempting to address and a basic outline of your paper as a whole. The problem statement presents not only the general research problem you will address but also the hypotheses that you will consider. In the methodology section, you will explain to the reader the research methods you used to investigate your research topic and to test the hypotheses that you have formulated. For example, did you conduct interviews, use statistical analysis, rely upon previous research studies, or some combination of all of these methodological approaches?

Before you can develop each of the above components of your research paper, you will need to conduct a literature review. A literature review involves reading and analyzing what other researchers have written on your topic before going on to do research of your own. There are some very pragmatic reasons for doing this work. First, as insightful as your ideas may be, someone else may have had similar ideas and have already done research to test them. By reading what they have written on your topic, you can ensure that you don’t repeat, but rather learn from, work that has already been done. Second, to demonstrate the soundness of your hypotheses and methodology, you will need to indicate how you have borrowed from and/or improved upon the ideas of others.

By referring to what other researchers have found on your topic, you will have established a frame of reference that enables the reader to understand the full significance of your research results. Thus, once you have conducted your literature review, you will be in a position to present your research findings. In presenting these findings, you will need to refer back to your original hypotheses and explain the manner and degree to which your results fit with what you anticipated you would find. If you see strong support for your argument or perhaps some unexpected results that your original hypotheses cannot account for, this section is the place to convey such important information to your reader. This is also the place to suggest further lines of research that will help refine, clarify inconsistencies with, or provide additional support for your hypotheses. Finally, in the summary section of your paper, reiterate the significance of your research and your research findings and speculate upon the path that future research efforts should take.

Writing in political theory

Political theory differs from other subfields in political science in that it deals primarily with historical and normative, rather than empirical, analysis. In other words, political theorists are less concerned with the scientific measurement of political phenomena than with understanding how important political ideas develop over time. And they are less concerned with evaluating how things are than in debating how they should be. A return to our democracy example will make these distinctions clearer and give you some clues about how to write well in political theory.

Earlier, we talked about how to define democracy empirically so that it can be measured and tested in accordance with scientific principles. Political theorists also define democracy, but they use a different standard of measurement. Their definitions of democracy reflect their interest in political ideals—for example, liberty, equality, and citizenship—rather than scientific measurement. So, when writing about democracy from the perspective of a political theorist, you may be asked to make an argument about the proper way to define citizenship in a democratic society. Should citizens of a democratic society be expected to engage in decision-making and administration of government, or should they be satisfied with casting votes every couple of years?

In order to substantiate your position on such questions, you will need to pay special attention to two interrelated components of your writing: (1) the logical consistency of your ideas and (2) the manner in which you use the arguments of other theorists to support your own. First, you need to make sure that your conclusion and all points leading up to it follow from your original premises or assumptions. If, for example, you argue that democracy is a system of government through which citizens develop their full capacities as human beings, then your notion of citizenship will somehow need to support this broad definition of democracy. A narrow view of citizenship based exclusively or primarily on voting probably will not do. Whatever you argue, however, you will need to be sure to demonstrate in your analysis that you have considered the arguments of other theorists who have written about these issues. In some cases, their arguments will provide support for your own; in others, they will raise criticisms and concerns that you will need to address if you are going to make a convincing case for your point of view.

Drafting your paper

If you have used material from outside sources in your paper, be sure to cite them appropriately in your paper. In political science, writers most often use the APA or Turabian (a version of the Chicago Manual of Style) style guides when formatting references. Check with your instructor if they have not specified a citation style in the assignment. For more information on constructing citations, see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial.

Although all assignments are different, the preceding outlines provide a clear and simple guide that should help you in writing papers in any sub-field of political science. If you find that you need more assistance than this short guide provides, refer to the list of additional resources below or make an appointment to see a tutor at the Writing Center.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Becker, Howard S. 2007. Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article , 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Cuba, Lee. 2002. A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lasswell, Harold Dwight. 1936. Politics: Who Gets What, When, How . New York: McGraw-Hill.

Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. 1998. The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual , 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Turabian, Kate. 2018. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, Dissertations , 9th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Writing a Political Science Research Paper

Political Science students are asked to write a number of different kinds of papers, including reaction papers, compare and contrast essays, close reading/textual analysis papers, and synoptic papers. The research paper is thus only one type of political science paper. It is, however, a type that has quite specific components and requirements. The Thesis Statement The most important and most challenging task for students writing a research paper is developing a thesis. A thesis is a non-trivial, contestable, specific claim about political phenomena that can be proven or defended through the analysis of primary source material.   (1) Your thesis must be non-trivial A reader will want evidence that you are exploring an important question or topic.  Explorations of the unimportant (e.g., "Canada's orange industry has been underappreciated") will not entice any but the most insensate readers. Readers will recoil, in particular, from faux theses that merely state what the author has done (e.g., "I have researched the European Union's trade policy"). (2) Your thesis must be contestable Do not seek to prove the obvious (e.g., African American voters disproportionately support Democratic candidates for the presidency). The best theses make counterintuitive claims (e.g., revolutions often occur when conditions improve in a country after a long period of deprivation). There must be, at a minimum, alternative explanations for the phenomena you are exploring or different possible answers to the question you are posing. A good research paper directly engages these competing arguments by demonstrating that its explanation or answer is the most plausible.   (3)  Your thesis must make a specific claim A thesis should reference specific concepts and focus on a delimited field of inquiry.  Statements such as "religion is the chief cause of conflict in the world," "the International Criminal Court violates political sovereignty," and "the Russian people always want a czar to lead them" are neither specific nor delimited. An example of a specific, focused thesis would be "Religious divisions cause social conflict to increase in Northern Ireland when they are reinforced by other cleavages or divisions." This statement sports two concepts—social conflict and cross-cutting vs. reinforcing cleavages—that the author must develop or support in order to address the influence of religion on conflict in a specific context. (4)  You must employ primary sources to demonstrate or defend your thesis A literature review or a review of pertinent secondary sources (i.e., published books or articles that interpret or analyze primary sources) is not sufficient to demonstrate a thesis. A literature review is, as noted below, a significant component of your research paper, but your objective is not merely to review what other scholars have said about your topic. Your objective is to say something novel about your topic. This will require you to step outside of the published literature to mine information that you acquire firsthand.  Primary sources include (but are not limited to) public opinion surveys, demographic data (e.g., U.S. Census data), government documents, open-ended interviews conducted by the author, oral histories, archival materials (e.g., letters, policy memos, diary entries, interoffice communications, transcripts of conversations, etc.), and speeches. The Literature Review A literature review should accomplish two goals:

• Introduce your reader to the range of scholarship on your topic. This exercise can help you to provide your reader with some purchase on the complexity of your subject.
• Identify the most important competing arguments or claims about your topic.

As mentioned above, accomplishing #2 is integral to your effort to demonstrate or defend your thesis. You must first acquaint your reader with both the strengths and the weakness of competing arguments before you can demonstrate that your argument is superior. Your literature review should address the most important or influential works on your topic. You will need to review books, monographs, and journal articles. Doing the last will require you to employ such research databases as JSTOR, ProQuest, and PAIS. The Data Analysis The form that your data analysis takes will be determined to a large degree by your choice of method or approach. If you are using statistical methods (e.g., regression analysis) or formal modeling (e.g., game theory) to analyze your data, then your paper will consist principally of justifying your choice of method, specifying your variables, and presenting and interpreting your results. Students performing quantitative analysis will need to think carefully about how best to present their findings (e.g., graphs, tables, charts, etc.). Such students could profit from reviewing Edward Tufte's classic book The Visual Display of Quantitative Information , particularly Tufte's discussions of "chartjunk."   If you are using qualitative data and methods, your paper will need to weave your findings into a narrative that is coherent, compelling, and probative. Students, for example, who decide to use the "case study approach" must devote some time to addressing the "small n problem." This, in short, is the challenge of explaining to the reader why one can generalize from a single or a small number of cases to a larger universe of cases. What makes your particular case or cases "crucial" or explanatory?  It is not sufficient merely to claim that, for example, "there is a lot of information available on my case." You must choose your case or cases for sound theoretical reasons. Robert Michels, for example, decided to study the German Social Democratic Party to test his theory that all organizations are subject to "the iron law of oligarchy" because he posited that if power was concentrated in a small number of hands in a political party that sported a democratic ethos, then such oligarchic rule would surely occur in less ostentatiously democratic organizations. The Conclusion A good conclusion should explain to the reader how your analysis has demonstrated that your argument is more persuasive than competing arguments. It should, in short, explain your contribution to the extant literature. Some pitfalls to sidestep when composing your conclusion are the following: Do not go beyond your data Even seasoned scholars can be guilty of concluding their pieces with grand statements that are not supported by their data. You can underscore your contribution to the literature without claiming that you have, for example, refuted all that has been written on your topic hitherto or created a "new paradigm." Showing respect for the work of other scholars, even that with which you disagree, is both courteous and sensible. Take care to identify the limitations of your findings or even some of the questionable parts of your analysis. Doing this will, if not immunize your work against criticism, at least allow you to get a jump on addressing some of the critiques that will be leveled at your work. Do not sprinkle your conclusion with "questions for future research" This is a complement of the above. Bear in mind that you are a novice researcher. It is more than a bit presumptuous to claim that your piece can be the foundation upon which other scholars will build. Avoid boilerplate phrases such as "time will tell" or "no one can know for sure" Conclusions are notorious for vaporous phrases that leave readers wondering, "What does that mean?" Take care that every sentence in your conclusion is meaningful (i.e., that it pertains to your argument). Short, tightly constructed and -argued conclusions are preferable to voluble, flabby conclusions that do not advance your case. For Further Reading Howard S. Becker with Pamela Richards, Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1986) Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995) Gregory M. Scott and Stephen M. Garrison, The Political Science Student Writers' Manual (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1995) Ian Shapiro, Rogers M. Smith, and Tarek Masoud (eds.), Problems and Methods in the Study of Political Science (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004) Edward R. Tufte, Envisioning Information (Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press, 1990) Edward R. Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, second edition   (Cheshire, Conn.: Chart Graphics, 2001) (pdf available online)

Political Science Department Contact

518-580-5240

518-580-5259

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Ladd Hall, Room 309 Skidmore College 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Natalie Fuehrer Taylor Associate Professor and Department Chair

Barbara McDonough Administrative Assistant

Writing the Thesis

Thesis structure.

Although their subjects vary widely, every thesis must have three elements: an argument or question, an original analysis, and specific case studies.

The most important part of the thesis is its argument or main question. Every project must be centered on a new analysis of its subject. For example, many theses about armed conflicts develop new ideas on their causes or impacts. One way to develop your argument is to pose a question that you believe has not been answered correctly, fairly, or adequately. Many theses state that question up front, and their answer to it is their argument. No matter what your argument is, it should be presented in the introduction.

The content of the thesis must be centered on an analysis, with all information presented clearly connected to the main argument. Material that is not directly related to it should be avoided.

Along with analysis, an argument is supported by specific cases that demonstrate its value or correctness is specific instances. Theses on global trade, for example, will use specific treaties, countries, or commodities to support their arguments.

Grammar / Spelling

All spelling and grammatical errors must be corrected before final submission. Because word processing programs have grammar and spell checkers, use them.

To make sure your writing is clear, read your proposal aloud—then have someone else read it aloud. If your sentences seem too long, divide them into two or three sentences. Try to write the same way that you speak when explaining a concept, avoiding a complex word if a simpler word will do.

Figures help illustrate important aspects of the background material, sample data, and analysis techniques. A well-chosen and well-labeled figure can reduce text length, and improve clarity. When figures are taken from other articles, they should be modified to better present your particular point. Modern computer technology such as scanners and drafting programs can help you create or modify the graphs and pictures to be included in the text.

See the  M.A. Thesis draft rubric (pdf) used by Professor Johnson to see what is typically expected in an M.A. thesis. We also recommend The Craft of Research  as a guide for the research process.

Cite all ideas, concepts, text, and data that are not your own. If you make a statement, back it up with your own data or a reference. All references cited in the text must be in the bibliography. All references must be adequately cited. After a quote or statistic taken from another source, cite the author name, date, and page number of the work in parenthesis (e.g., Fanon, 1972, 43). The full description of those references must be in the bibliography (see below). Alternative for single-author references are using the surname of the author (followed by date of the publication in parenthesis): a. … according to Hays (1994) b. … population growth is one of the greatest environmental concerns facing future generations (Hays, 1994). (Note: If the citation is made at the end of a sentence, the period is placed after the citation).

Cite double-author references by the surnames of both authors (followed by date of the publication in parenthesis) (e.g., Simpson and Hays, 1994). Cite more than double-author references by the surname of the first author followed by et al. and then the date of the publication (e.g., Pfirman, Simpson and Hays would be Pfirman et al., 1994.

Cite newspaper articles using the newspaper name and date (e.g., This problem was also recently discussed in the press ( The New York Times , January 15, 2000.)

Bibliography

All references cited in the text should be in the bibliography in alphabetical order. The easiest way to make your bibliography is through RefWorks, a web-based program that puts all your references in the proper format with online access. To attain RefWorks, go to the Brooklyn College library website . Select “All Databases,” scroll down to “R,” and choose RefWorks. Instructions on registering for and using RefWorks will then guide you, but do not hesitate to contact a librarian. They are very helpful, as is the RefWorks support network. When putting together your bibliography in RefWorks, you may select among several different formats. We recommend the APA format, which is outlined below for each reference type.

Book, Chapter, or Section

Bibliography: Calhoun, C. J., & McGowan, J. (1997). Plurality, promises and public spaces. Hannah Arendt and the meaning of politics (pp. 232–259). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. In-Text Citation: (Calhoun & McGowan, 1997)

Book, Whole

Bibliography: Lodge, G. C. (1970). Engines of change; United States interests and revolution in Latin America (1st ed.). New York: Knopf In-Text Citation: (Lodge, 1970)

Bibliography: Agamben, G., & Rocke, M. (1995). We refugees. Symposium, 49(2), 114–119. In-Text Citation: (Agamben & Rocke, 1995)

Author (if applicable); Organization, web address, date accessed

Example: Habermas, J., NetLibrary (1991). The structural transformation of the public sphere an inquiry into a category of bourgeois society. http://www.netLibrary.com/ , Accessed June 25, 2009. In-Text Citation: (Habermas & NetLibrary, 1991)

Newspaper Articles

Bibliography: Author Last Name, First Name. “Story Headline,” Newspaper, Date, Page.

Dissertation/Thesis, or Unpublished Reports

Bibliography: Smith, J. (1999). Study of subways. Unpublished Ph.D., University of Alabama. In-Text Citation: (Smith, 1999)

If you use Wikipedia as a resource, you should refer to the scholarly or other sources cited in the specific entry. If the general entry is cited, see “citing Wikipedia” on its site.

The title page should be written in the following format:

_______________________________________

Presented to

The Faculty of the Department of Political Science

Brooklyn College

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree

Master of Arts

Spring/Fall, Year

The thesis should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font.

Page Numbers

Prefatory material (e.g., the table of contents) is to be numbered consecutively in small Roman numerals. All other pages (including bibliography, and appendices) are to be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals in the upper right-hand corner.

The text is to be double-spaced, except for quotations of more than three lines. The left margin is to be 1.25 inches, and all other margins one inch. There should be two spaces between sentences.

The thesis is to use un-punched, regular paper, 8½ by 11 inches in size. Every page must be clean and free of marks, cross-outs, or other corrections.

Brooklyn. All in.

POLI.2310 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THOUGHT

Susan E. Gallagher, Associate Professor, Political Science Department, UMass Lowell

Presentations & Papers: Materials & Instructions

You must choose the same topic for your presentation and final paper. On the assigned date of your presentation, you must be prepared to lead an informative discussion of your topic. Although you may use PowerPoint, you are not required to incorporate any technology. You must also submit a polished thesis statement on the day of your presentation (even if you have chosen a thesis statement from the list below). In addition, you must include a citation for at least one web-based source that you located on your own. Please paste the URL of your additional source at the bottom of your thesis statement.

An easy way to approach the presentation would be to read your thesis statement, then highlight specific themes or details, then comment on your central conclusion. If you still have questions about your topic at the time of your presentation, feel free to raise them with me and your fellow students. However, your presentation should be designed to show that you have already engaged in significant research.

Your final paper must be at least five pages long (double-spaced; eleven or twelve-point type; one-inch margins). Please e-mail a polished and complete first draft (formatted in Word) by Wednesday, April 20. If you do not submit a carefully written draft by 4/20, I will not be able to help you, and your first draft will be graded as your final draft.

Keep in mind that you will be evaluated according to your ability to convey accurate information in college-level prose. Consequently, if you have writing problems, please visit the Writing Center to obtain assistance with proofreading and correcting your draft before you send it in.

If you hope to earn a higher grade than the one you received on the midterm, regular attendance, active class participation, and significant improvement of your writing skills are essential. If you have fallen short in any of these areas, it will weigh down your final grade.

Complete and polished 1st draft due on Wednesday, April 20 . Corrected 1st drafts returned by Friday, April 29 . Final draft of final paper due on Wednesday, May 4 .

Formula for thesis statements:

General observation: "Scholars once believed..." Qualification: "However, recent studies suggest..." Statement of strategy: "By examining...this paper will show..."

Sample Thesis Statements:

Note: you may use any of these statements as is, revise any according to your liking, or compose a thesis statement on your own.  

1. The Foundations of Western Political Thought

• Although Plato and Aristotle are both identified as founding figures in Western political thought, their visions of government were diametrically opposed.  Plato famously presented a theory of politics based on epistemological idealism , that is, the premise that ideas provide the basis of all knowledge.  In contrast, Aristotle maintained that gathering empirical evidence allows us to discover the universal principles of human nature.  By comparing  Plato's idealistic philosophy with the empirical standpoint adopted in Aristotle's Politics , this essay will explain how their epistemological perspectives inform their divergent approaches to government.
• Although we do not ordinarily associate popular movies with ancient philosophy, Plato's " Allegory of the Cave " has been recognized as the inspiration for several films .  Of these, the  Matrix Trilogy , a series by the Wachowskis that began in 1999, was especially successful, garnering praise from popular and academic critics alike.  By first summarizing Plato's "Allegory," then describing how it informed the Matrix Trilogy, this essay will explain why Plato's parable provided such fertile ground for the Wachowskis' cinematic exploration of the problem of knowledge in contemporary life. 
• Although Aristotle regarded democratic rule as inherently unstable , he is frequently cited as a major influence in the development of democracy  in the United States.  By summarizing key conclusions from Aristotle's Politics , this essay will explore his role in shaping the Federalists' approach to framing the Constitution and establishing a new form of representative government. 
• Aristotle was celebrated for nearly fifteen centuries as the founding figure in the evolution of scientific inquiry.  However, in recent decades, historians have increasingly emphasized the distorted assumptions that informed his scientific point of view .  These distortions are especially apparent in his analysis of the biological basis of gender inequality.  By summarizing the central tenets of his biological explanation for women's ostensibly natural inferiority , this essay will explain why his reputation as a scientific theorist has been shattered by the rise of feminist political thought .

2. Machiavelli & Hobbes

• Although Niccolò Machiavelli's name became synonymous with evil soon after his landmark work, The Prince , was published in 1532 ,  he has also been regularly defended by scholars who maintain that he never deserved his popular reputation as an apologist for the abuse of power. For example, in " What Machiavelli Knew ," which appeared in the New Statesmen in 2013, philosopher John Gray celebrates Machiavelli's virtues, taking the position that the rule of law in the modern world would collapse if political leaders failed to follow Machiavelli's maxim that the end justifies the means.  Many other scholars have similarly praised Machiavelli as a potent and positive influence in Western political thought.  Without attempting to summarize all of this recent scholarship, this essay will highlight some of the arguments made by Gray and others in order to explore why Machiavelli continues to be seen as a invaluable resource in the study of politics.
• In " American Machiavelli ," published in The American Conservative in 2014, James Burnham argues that U.S. lawmakers could rescue the nation from its current morass if they adopted the strong-arm approach to politics outlined in Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince .  According to Burnham, if American political leaders embraced Machiavellian tactics, the U.S. could overcome the threats presented by terrorism and other destabilizing forces.  By examining Burnham's argument, this essay will explore whether his arguments in favor of Machiavellianism would increase national security or further erode the strength of American democracy.   
• In " Leviathan Then & Now ," published in the Hoover Institution's Policy Review in 2008, Peter Berkowitz argues that the authoritarian political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) provides much more effective solutions to present-day political problems than democratic theorists have generally assumed.  More specifically, Berkowitz maintains that the violence that bedevils the global system today invites us to reconsider the merits of Hobbes's contention that individual preservation is best achieved by the surrender of liberty to absolute power.  Without dismissing Berkowitz's argument out of hand, this essay will show that his embrace of Hobbes's authoritarian approach to government proceeds from the post-democratic assumption that military force is the only means available to prevent the leaders of non-Western nations and political groups from committing violence within and beyond their borders.   

3. Politics, Government, and the Rise of Capitalism

• In writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson famously drew from John Locke's political philosophy , especially as it was outlined in the Two Treatises of Government .  By tracing some of Jefferson's well-known phrases back to Locke's work, this essay will explore the roots of American political philosophy. In addition, by outlining the gulf between the egalitarian ideals expressed in  America's founding document with the realities of slavery , I will examine the tensions between abstract liberty and material inequality in the United States.

John Locke has long been recognized as a central influence in the development of American political thought.  However, in the course of the twentieth century, Lockean approaches to the pursuit of property and the protection of individual liberty came to seem increasingly irrelevant to American political life.  In " John Locke's America ," a contribution to a symposium on Locke published in  Society in 2013 , George Thomas argues that Lockean principles continue to inform American politics, citing as a case in point Lockean influences in the ongoing debate over same-gender marriage. By analyzing Thomas's effort to restore Locke as a vital force in American political philosophy, this essay will show that he exaggerates Locke's contributions to democratic theory in order to make him seem more relevant to the twenty-first century. 

• Adam Smith is frequently portrayed as optimist whose defense of free-market economics rested on the assumption that the universal pursuit of private interest would improve standards of living for all.  While it is true that Smith celebrated the appetite for enrichment as the driving force behind the " progress of opulence " throughout human history, he never argued that unrestricted markets would allow wealth to trickle down from the few to the many, and he never minimized the damaging effects of specialized labor.  By examining the darker side of Smith's economic vision , this essay will show that his reputation as a sunny apologist for free market capitalism is largely undeserved. 
• While Adam Smith was apparently never mentioned at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, numerous scholars have emphasized his influence on the Framers , especially James Madison , whose theory of factional competition mirrors the economic vision Smith presented in his landmark work, The Wealth of Nations . By summarizing key similarities between Madison's approach to factions and Smith's conception of capitalism as a self-regulating system, this essay will explore the economic principles embedded in early American constitutional thought.
• Although Adam Smith is widely recognized as the cardinal theorist of modern capitalism, while Karl Marx is usually seen as capitalism's fiercest critic, these two political economists have more in common than we might assume.  Their approaches to the labor theory of value , as well as the damaging effects of the division of labor , provide an especially rich illustration of the overlap between their contributions to economic thought .  By comparing and contrasting their views on the role and conditions of labor in industrial society, this essay will explain why Marx maintained that his vision of communist revolution was drawn directly from Smith's work.
• Although Karl Marx and Henry David Thoreau are not often studied together, they focused on surprisingly similar themes.  Marx is widely recognized as capitalism's foremost critic, but people generally forget that Thoreau's  Walden begins with a chapter entitled "Economy ," in which he decries the degradation of labor in capitalist society, and that " Life without Principle ," a lecture he delivered many times during the last part of his life, fiercely condemned the thoughtless drive for individual enrichment that seemed to animate American society.  By comparing key passages from Marx's work with some of Thoreau's reflections on capitalist production and consumption , this essay will show that these two otherwise divergent thinkers shared a common disdain for commercial competition and free enterprise.
• In view of Henry David Thoreau's support for limited government , advocates of laissez-faire capitalism have often placed him on their side. However, an examination of Thoreau's remarks on capitalist production and consumption suggests that he had nothing but disdain for the pursuit of private property. By surveying his commentary on economic activity in Walden and " Life Without Principle ," this essay will show that Thoreau rejected industrial capitalism as a viable system not because it failed to promote prosperity, but because it lured individuals into meaningless lives.
• In the mid-nineteenth century, when the productivity of labor reached new heights, and industrial workers faced sharply declining wages, Karl Marx and other radicals concluded that the crisis-ridden nature of capitalism would eventually lead the impoverished majority to overthrow the wealthy elite. While this global revolution never came to pass, twenty-first-century activists such as Naomi Klein contend that we currently face a similarly revolutionary moment. According to Klein, the self-defeating operation of fossil-fuel based economies, in which the accumulation of wealth depends upon intensifying climate change , has created such a level of crisis that the miseries caused by the free market system can no longer be managed by the ruling class. By examining the arguments made by Klein and others, this essay will explore the notion that the environmental catastrophes that capitalism has set into motion will prove fatal to the system itself.
• In On Liberty , John Stuart Mill argued that the rising power of the masses in modern industrial society endangered social progress by subjecting the intellectual elite to the tyranny of the majority.  The threat, Mill argued, was not that the many would seize the property of the few, but that innovative ideas would be smothered by common mediocrity.  By exploring Mill's assumptions about the intellectual capacity of the common people, this essay will show that his defense of individual liberty was marred by his anti-democratic point of view .
• In On Liberty , John Stuart Mill maintained that maximizing individual liberty would encourage public discussion of unorthodox opinions, which would, in turn, encourage the selection of the best ideas in the development of public policy.  Mill's argument has long been associated with a popular analogy between free markets, which ostensibly produce the highest quality products at the lowest price, and open public forums, which theoretically separate bad ideas from good.  However, the problem with the marketplace of ideas is the same as the problem with markets in general, which is that they don't necessarily yield rational results.  By exploring Mill's conception of public discourse, this essay will show that he failed to take account of the structural inequalities that tend to shape public debate.
• In 1903, in  The Souls of Black Folk , W.E.B. Du Bois set out to expose the fissures that opened in American society after the Civil War.  These rifts not only separated the races, Du Bois declared, they also fractured African-American consciousness by forcing blacks to see themselves through the eyes of racist whites while simultaneously trying to retain a sense of their own identities.  Du Bois's conception of double-consciousness has reverberated throughout American culture for over a century, but it has recently taken on new meaning as  revelations of police violence against blacks , especially against young black men, have forced parents to devise strategies to safeguard their children.  By relating Du Bois's concept of double-consciousness to Michelle Alexander's op-ed, " Telling My Son About Ferguson ," this essay will illustrate that the divides described in The Souls of Black Folk have not healed.
• In 1963, ten years after the first English translation of Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex  appeared in the United States, Betty Friedan published  The Feminist Mystique .  Both books focused on the historical oppression of women and the ways in which assumptions about male superiority had shaped Western culture.  However, Friedan did not refer to Beauvoir as an inspiration, perhaps, as scholars have lately suggested , because acknowledging that debt would have detracted from her effort to present  The Feminine Mystique as the first book of its kind.  By comparing and contrasting some of the arguments advanced in each of these books to explain the causes and consequences of gender inequality, this essay will show that Friedan's comparatively conservative and elitist perspective can be attributed in part to the political and cultural constrictions, as well as the racial injustice, that shaped American society during the Cold War.   

Affirmative action policies have remained controversial since 1961, when President John F. Kennedy first introduced the term to describe government efforts to correct the effects of past discrimination.  Public debate intensified after President Lyndon Johnson announced comprehensive affirmative action programs to promote greater equality for historically disadvantaged groups in housing, employment, and education. "We seek," he declared, "not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result." In order to understand why affirmative action policies have inspired so much controversy, this essay will draw from Isaiah Berlin's " Two Concepts of Liberty ," a lecture delivered at Oxford University in 1958.  Using the distinction that Berlin drew between positive liberty and negative liberty, this essay will explore why affirmative action has never achieved popular acceptance in the United States.

As climate change becomes an increasingly inescapable aspect of daily life, social theorists have begun to rethink widely shared beliefs about the free market system . In earlier eras, it was easier to assume that the operation of the laws of supply and demand in competitive markets would maximize productivity and promote long-term growth. In the age of climate change, however, our reliance on fossil fuels has created a paradox: the more productive we become, the more we increase our carbon output, which intensifies global warming and invites an unending series of environmental disasters. While European countries such as [name country or countries] have taken decisive action, the U.S. has yet to implement any effective policies to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  By comparing the American response with policies adopted in [name country or counties], this essay will explore whether our commitment to unrestricted capitalism will allow us to survive the environmental chaos it has produced.

Additional sources (You can ask me and/or your classmates for help in composing a thesis statement on one of these topics.)

Peg O'Connor, " In the Cave: Philosophy and Addiction ," New York Times , January 8, 2012. (Plato)

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Home > USC Columbia > Arts and Sciences > Political Science > Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A Comparative Measure Of Judicial Legitimacy , Rahul Hemrajani

Where the Constitution Is Silent: Indigenous Rights Jurisprudence in the United States , Anthony Wayne Hobert Jr.

Prosecutorial Discretion: District Attorneys, Public Opinion,and the Localized Rule of Law , Yu-Hsien Sung

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Changing Environment. Changing Attitudes? , Lindsey Brooke Hendren

Interstate Rivalry, Domestic Politics, and Economic Coercion , Shaoshuang Wen

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

International Conflict, Political Leaders, and Accountability , William Thomas Christiansen

Liberalization First, Democratization Later: The Linkage Between Income Inequality, Economic Development, and Democratization , Yi-Tzu Lin

Social Trust and Soft Power: The Role of Social Trust in Democratic Countries’ Soft Power Use , Judit Trunkos

Economic Interdependence, Power, and Peace: A Rationalist Study of Commercial Liberalism , Yuleng Zeng

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Essays on the Political Economy of International Trade and Coups , William Akoto

Judicial Legitimacy and the Dearth of State Supreme Court Knowledge , TJ Kimel

Women in the Governor's Mansion: Breaking the Barrier to Competition , Helen Adair King

Causes and Consequences of Police Militarization , Edward Eugene Lawson, Jr.

Dynamic Environments and Judicial Power , Monica Lineberger

The Dynamics of Vote Buying in Developing Democracies: Party Attachment and Party Competition in Southeast Asia , Matthew Louis Wagner

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Deepening Democracy: Inclusion, Deliberation, And Voice In The Grassroots South , Annie L. Boiter-Jolley

Evangelicals, Perceived Marginalization and Expressive Mobilization , Christin E. McMasters

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Economic Foundations of Authoritarian Rule , Clay Robert Fuller

Partisan Polarization, Social Identity, and Deliberative Democracy in the United States , Ryan Strickler

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Being Strategic: Black Legislative Representation In The Republican-Controlled South Carolina House of Representatives , Willie James Black

Leaders in Search of the Bomb: Institutional Incentives for Nuclear Decisions , Paige Price Cone

The Three Dimensionality Model Of State Security And Armed Conflict: Internal And External Dimensions And Lessons From The Middle East , Juri Kim

The Impact of Supreme Court Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy , Ali Masood

How The European Union’s Criteria For Membership Move Public Opinion , Douglas Page

Information Heterogeneity and Economic Voting: A Cross-National Analysis , Chia-yin Wei

Nothing is the Matter with Kansas: White Southern Exceptionalism in American Politics , Paul White Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Turkish Foreign Policy Under The Justice And Development Party (AKP): A Paradigm Shift? , Ali Demirdas

The Liberal Commercial Peace, Regional Considerations: International Relations of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the European Union Countries , Chienwu Hsueh

The Political Economy of Property Rights In China: Local Officials, Incentive Structure, And Private Enterprises , Ingrid Yingxia Li

The Domestic Adoption of International Human Rights Law: the Roles of Regional and National High Courts in Latin America , Rebecca Ann Reid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

TOWARDS COMMON EUROPEAN ENERGY POLICY , Mariam Dekanozishvili

Essays on Battle Clusters in Internal Armed Conflicts and Insurgencies: Concept, Causes and Consequences , Chifeng Liu

The Effects of Political Control and Institutional Structure on State Ethics Commissions , William Jonathan Rauh

Do Americans’ Perceptions of the Prevalence of Prejudice Impact Their Racial Policy Preferences? Investigating Meta-Stereotypes as a Potential Causal Mechanism , Alexandra Reckendorf

How Much Do Groups Still Matter to Politics? An Examination of Group Influences on Public Opinion , Lauren E. Smith

Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: How Risks Associated With Government Policies Affect Whether Microfinance Alleviates Poverty in Latin-America , Brian Warby

Taking Interests and International Conflict More Seriously , Chong-Han Wu

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Protracted Social Conflict: A Reconceptualization and Case Analysis , Melissa M. C. Beaudoin

Race, Class, Gender, and Linked Fate: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of African American Political Partisanship, 1996 and 2004 , Sherral Yolanda Brown-Guinyard

Holding International Public-Private Partnership Accountable: An Analysis of Sensitivity and Vulnerability Dynamics In Ghana'S Water Sector Reform and Its Impact On the Target Population , Xi Chen

The Impact of Ideology and Attorneys On Precedent Usage: An Analysis of State High Courts , Benjamin Kassow

Environmental Footprints of Violent Conflict , Swapna Pathak

Economic Agreements and Interstate Conflict: A Policy Substitution Model of Coercion , Matthew Daniel-Marion Shaffer

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Religion, Electoral Rules and Women's Representation: A Cross National Examination , Wafaa Adnan Alaradi

Postcolonial and Constructivist Theoretical Explanations of Women'S Traditional Agency In Sociopolitical Participation and Reproductive Rights In Present Day Mali and the Pilipinas , Jennifer Almeda

South Africa In Southern Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Economic Integration In the Southern African Development Community Using Hegemonic Stability Theory , William Andrew Jennings

The Relationship Between State Dissatisfaction and the Level of Conflict In State Dyads: the Revised Power Transition Theory , Hsiao-chuan Liao

Fighting In Space: Understanding the Opportunity and Willingness to Pursue Space Weapons , Michael James Martindale

Capital offenses, Non-Capital offenses, and Party Capability: Habeas Corpus Litigation in U.S. District Courts , Nicholas A. Mostardo

How Rivalries End: Understanding Dynamics of the Rivalry Termination Process , Soonkun Oh

State Implementation of the Children's Health Insurance Program: Analyses of Variation In Policy Adoption , Rebecca Layne Russ-Sellers

Female Legislators and the Power of the Purse: Does Gender Affect Government Spending? A Cross-National Analysis , Jennifer Suzanne Tison

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Judging the Bureaucrats: Understanding the Dynamics of Court-Agency Interaction , Michael P. Fix

La Ruta Maya: The Effects of tourism and the State On the Political Behavior Choices of the Maya , Heather Lea Hawn

Presidents and Terminal Logic Behavior: Term Limits and Executive Action In the United States, Brazil, and Argentina , Genevieve M. Kehoe

The Questions of Compliance With the NPT Regime and Complex Multilateral Nuclear Negotiations: A Comparative Analysis of North Korea and Iran As Defector States , Jihyun Kim

The Rule of Law In Times of War: A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of War On High Court Decision-Making , Susanne Schorpp

Between and Beyond Borders: Conflict, International Response, and Forced Migration , Young Hoon Song

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The War On Terrorism In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An Academic Analysis of the Growing Phenomenon of Political Violence In the Kingdom. , Faisal M. Al-Madhi

Re-Defining Public Service In An Era of Networked Governance: An Examination of the Influence of Public Service Motivation On Contractors In Homeland Security , Alexa Haddock Bigwarfe

The Power and Authority of the Committee On the Rights of the Child , Aleksandra Chauhan

Does Foreign Direct Investment (Fdi) Affect Conflict? theIntertwined Relationship Between Multinational Corporations (Mncs) and Nation-States , Yi-Hung Chiou

Counterinsurgency Colonels: The Role of the Practitioner In the Evolution of Modern Counterinsurgency , Garrett Scott DeWitt

The Geometry of Racial Politics: The Role of Policy Entrepreneurs In Fostering Triangulation Among U.S. Racial and Ethnic Groups, 1800-1964 , Athena M. King

Passionate Political Talk: Social Networks and the Emotional Impact of Political Discussion , Bryan Michael Parsons

Judges and Their Loyalties: A Comparative Study Focused On the Venezuelan Supreme Court , Raul A. Sanchez Urribarri

International Law In the Supreme Court of the United States: An Empirical Analysis , Alan Michael Tauber

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Wolves In Chic Clothing: Gender, Media and the Securitization of Female Suicide Bombers , Mekell Mikell

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PSC 352: Introduction to Comparative Politics

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What is the difference between a thesis & a hypothesis?

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B oth the hypothesis statement and the thesis statement answer the research question of the study.  When the statement is one that can be proved or disproved, it is an hypothesis statement.  If, instead, the statement specifically shows the intentions/objectives/position of the researcher, it is a thesis statement.

A hypothesis is a statement that can be proved or disproved.  It is typically used in quantitative research and predicts the relationship between variables.

A thesis statement is a short, direct sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay or research paper. It is seen in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research.  A thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the body of the essay or research report by means of examples and evidence.

Every research study should contain a concise and well-written thesis statement. If the intent of the study is to prove/disprove something, that research report will also contain an hypothesis statement.

Jablonski , Judith. What is the difference between a thesis statement and an hypothesis statement? Online Library. American Public University System. Jun 16, 2014. Web.   http://apus.libanswers.com/faq/2374

Let’s say you are interested in the conflict in Darfur, and you conclude that the issues you wish to address include the nature, causes, and effects of the conflict, and the international response. While you could address the issue of international response first, it makes the most sense to start with a description of the conflict, followed by an exploration of the causes, effects, and then to discuss the international response and what more could/should be done.

This hypothetical example may lead to the following title, introduction, and statement of questions:

Conflict in Darfur: Causes, Consequences, and International Response       This paper examines the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. It is organized around the following questions: (1) What is the nature of the conflict in Darfur? (2) What are the causes and effects of the conflict? (3) What has the international community done to address it, and what more could/should it do?

Following the section that presents your questions and background, you will offer a set of responses/answers/(hypo)theses. They should follow the order of the questions. This might look something like this, “The paper argues/contends/ maintains/seeks to develop the position that...etc.” The most important thing you can do in this section is to present as clearly as possible your best thinking on the subject matter guided by course material and research. As you proceed through the research process, your thinking about the issues/questions will become more nuanced, complex, and refined. The statement of your theses will reflect this as you move forward in the research process.

So, looking to our hypothetical example on Darfur:

The current conflict in Darfur goes back more than a decade and consists of fighting between government-supported troops and residents of Darfur. The causes of the conflict include x, y, and z. The effects of the conflict have been a, b, and c. The international community has done 0, and it should do 1, 2, and 3.

Once you have setup your thesis you will be ready to begin amassing supporting evidence for you claims. This is a very important part of the research paper, as you will provide the substance to defend your thesis.

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Home > SBS > POLSCI > Political Science Department Masters Theses Collection

Political Science Department Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2021 2021.

Responsiveness, Representation, and Democracy: A Critical Conceptual Analysis and its Implications for Political Science , Joshua Beck, Political Science

Post-Conflict Recovery or Conflict Recurrence: A Comparative Analysis of Economics, Colonial Histories, and Natural Resource Mining in Burkina Faso and Togo , Izabela Frechette, Political Science

Theses from 2020 2020

Designing Surveys on Youth Immigration Reform: Lessons from the 2016 CCES Anomaly , Saige Calkins, Political Science

Becoming Quasi-Colonial Political Subjects: Garveyism and Labor Organizing in the Tennessee Valley (1921-1945) , Ashley Everson, Political Science

Footing The Bill: an Empirical Look at the Correlation Between Campaign Contributions and Councilor Votes on Split Tax Rates in Massachusetts , Tristan LaLiberte, Political Science

Theses from 2019 2019

Playing by the Rules: A Look into the Relationship between Regime Type and War Crimes , Kelsey Anderson, Political Science

Theses from 2018 2018

Alien Nation , Adam Hoole, Political Science

Theses from 2017 2017

Bailed Out With A Little Help From My Friends: Social Similarity And Currency Swaps During The 2008 Crisis , Timothy Marple, Political Science

Theses from 2016 2016

Assessing the Effects of Heuristic Perceptions on Voter Turnout , Amanda Aziz, Political Science

Theses from 2006 2006

Education in belief system coherency and ideological constraint in Massachusetts. , David Ciuk, Political Science

Sex, wealth, and power : audience and the real Orange County. , Elizabeth K. Krieg, Political Science

Theses from 2003 2003

The impact of national identity in Scotland on devolution. , Jörg-Nicolas Rödger, Political Science

Theses from 2002 2002

A comparative study of the democratization process in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia during the 1990s. , Tilo E. Stolz, Political Science

Russian transformative state capacity : a comparative study of corporate law reform. , Walter P. Thörner, Political Science

The politics of being a citizen : women and citizenship in Rio de Janeiro. , Joanna S. Wheeler, Political Science

Theses from 2001 2001

The German influence on the life and thought of W.E.B. DuBois. , Michaela C. Orizu, Political Science

Theses from 2000 2000

Identity politics and nationalism in the post-Cold War era : a critical approach to understanding mutual hostilities. , Michael R. Kisielewski, Political Science

Theses from 1999 1999

Politics and the popular culture : an examination of the relationship between politics and film and music. , Patrick J. Knightly, Political Science

The United Nations' success in resolving disputes in the post Cold War era. , Kavita Shukla, Political Science

Theses from 1997 1997

Limiting one's policy choices through a currency board : a rewarding shock therapy approach for Estonia? , Ralf W. Boepple, Political Science

Globalization or regionalization : financial flows and business practices in Central Europe and Latin America. , Daniel Arthur Carter, Political Science

Racial integration policy : finding solutions. , Mario M. S. Martins, Political Science

The acceptance of international regimes by Third World countries : China's and Taiwan's compliance with the intellectual property rights regime. , Yueh-Ching Ma, Political Science

The right-wing agenda : how the communications staff impacted the successes and failures of the Reagan administration. , Scott F. Merzbach, Political Science

Theses from 1996 1996

Reorganization of the executive branch of the government of Puerto Rico : theoretical foundations and legitimacy of the administrative state. , Mario Acosta-Velez, Political Science

Contemporary civil-military relations in Brazil and Argentina : bargaining for political reality. , Carlos P. Baía, Political Science

War on-land versus war on-line : how technologies of war affect gender in the military. , Kelly K. Boyce, Political Science

Africa or America : race, culture, and politics in Afrocentric thought. , Brett V. Gadsden, Political Science

Reading personal legal narrative : deconstruction, jurisprudence, & textual politics. , Elizabeth A. Myrick, Political Science

The other nationalists : Marcus Garvey and Pedro Albizu Campos. , Charles R. Venator Santiago, Political Science

Theses from 1995 1995

India : a secular democracy on the decline? , Aradhana Das, Political Science

Internal determinants of foreign policy domestic politics and foreign policy in the Soviet Union and the United States, 1945-1948. , Kornel B. Dura, Political Science

Freedom of expression in the U.S. and Japan : a comparative study of the regulation of obscene materials. , Yuko Watanabe, Political Science

Theses from 1994 1994

A Two-Level Games Analysis of the Agricultural Trade Negotiations Between the United States and the European Community in the Uruguay Round , Byung-hwa Chung, Political Science

Foreign lobbying in Washington, D.C. , Gerd Foehrenbach, Political Science

Neither deathsquads nor democrats : explaining the behavior of the Salvadoran military. , Stett D. Holbrook, Political Science

Institutional structure and sustainable development : the influence of non-governmental organizations on the environmental policy of UNEP and the World Bank. , Ortrud Elisabeth Kamps, Political Science

Theses from 1993 1993

Fostering democracy in eastern Europe. , Andreas Staab, Political Science

Theses from 1992 1992

Benazir Bhutto : her political struggle in Pakistan. , Kimie Sekine, Political Science

Theses from 1991 1991

An engaged aesthetic : Aids activism through cultural practice. , Jennifer Kates, Political Science

Maintaining a Machiavellian perspective. , Marco F. Monoc, Political Science

The Czechoslovakian reaction to perestroika : an examination of political and economic change in Czechoslovakia from 1985 to 1990. , Edward J. Valla, Political Science

Theses from 1990 1990

A study of the pariah in Hannah Arendt's theory of action. , Tobi B. Elkin, Political Science

U.S. foreign policy and Israeli nuclear weapons, 1957-1982. , John L. Galligan, Political Science

The Soviet Union and eastern Europe : considerations in a political transformation of the Soviet bloc. , Dag Wincens Noren, Political Science

Theses from 1989 1989

The United States security policy in the tripolar nuclear power system : how China's attainment of mutual assured destruction (MAD) capability would affect the U.S. security policy. , Maki Tagaya, Political Science

Theses from 1988 1988

Religion, secularization and politics : the case of the Federal Republic of Germany. , Bernhard Boll, Political Science

The role of the meda in international affairs : an analysis of the media's role in relations between West Germany and Israel. , Lila B. Orbach, Political Science

Theses from 1987 1987

Polwar, the politicization of military forces : history, theory and practice. , Pascal Ronald Politano, Political Science

European political cooperation at the United Nations General Assembly in the 1980's. , Klaus-Dieter Stadler, Political Science

Theses from 1986 1986

The place of the philosopher. , Jeffrey B. Diamond, Political Science

Theses from 1985 1985

The law and policy of control : presidential papers and school library books. , Pamela R. McKay, Political Science

Politics and pleasures : sexual controversies in the women's and lesbian/gay liberation movements. , Lisa J. Orlando, Political Science

Theses from 1984 1984

The elite status of think tank directors : corporate liberals versus the New Right. , Beata Panagopoulos, Political Science

Theses from 1982 1982

Definitions of political power: a case study. , Thomas F. Gilmartin, Political Science

Theses from 1981 1981

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Security Policy, 1945 to 1950 : The Joint Chiefs of Staff's perception of the external threat. , Mikael Sondergaard, Political Science

Implementation: policy becomes reality. , Walter K. Steiner, Political Science

Theses from 1980 1980

The aesthetic community : the social and political thought of Paul Goodman. , Willard Francis Petry, Political Science

Theses from 1979 1979

Ethos maintenance in Peruvian politics. , Michael D. Altfillisch, Political Science

Lenin: the party, revolution and politics. , William Francis Leahy, Political Science

Eurocommunism, Spain, and the views of Santiago Carrillo. , Joseph Anthony Nicastro, Political Science

Theses from 1978 1978

Indo-Pakistan relations (1972-1977) , Baderunissa Channah, Political Science

Army rule in Pakistan : a case study of a military regime. , Marguerite Maude Riley, Political Science

Theses from 1977 1977

The political posture of the Roman Catholic Church in Latin America with specific reference to Colombia and Chile. , Ronnie Glantz Harrington, Political Science

Continuity vs. change in Southern Africa : the reality of legal reform and social change in Portuguese speaking Africa, (1950-early 1960's) , Betty J. Shaw, Political Science

The Massachusetts generic drug law : a history, 1967-1976. , James A. Smith, Political Science

Theses from 1976 1976

A systems analysis of cooperative federalism : the disability insurance program as a case study. , David Carl Baker, Political Science

The external setting of contemporary Japanese foreign policy. , Douglas Clarke Durham, Political Science

The Yippies.: an inquiry into the concept of cultural revolution. , Joseph R. Porcari, Political Science

Theses from 1975 1975

Urban renewal and the Springfield Health Department : effect of a federal program on a local unit of government. , Max Garber, Political Science

The 1966 Maryland gubernatorial election : the political saliency of open occupancy. , Michael S. Hatfield, Political Science

Critical movements in American politics: the vote for George Wallace in 1968. , Walter S. Jonas, Political Science

The Office for Children.: administrative advocacy. , Paul Joseph Sherry, Political Science

Theses from 1974 1974

The concept of modernization and development in Marx's, Lenin's and Marxist-Leninist thought. , Barry Blufer, Political Science

Fascism in western Europe in the inter-war period : historical and comparative perspectives. , Elaine Marie Brady, Political Science

Amin: his seizure and rule in Uganda. , James Francis Hanlon, Political Science

The politics of education : a case study of personnel policy making. , Marilee Hartley, Political Science

Manpower programs : government's response to the occupational needs of the poor. , Philip D. Lerner, Political Science

Namibia : the trust territory. , Olugbemi Moloye, Political Science

National Convention Reform: revision of delegate selection procedures in the Democratic Party 1968-1972. , Joseph J. Nogueira, Political Science

Anarchist social science : its origins and development. , Rochelle Ann Potak, Political Science

John Foster Dulles : pragmatist or moralist. , Harry Park Tolles, Political Science

Theses from 1973 1973

The public-private dichotomy : two contemporary case studies. , Timothy W. Armour, Political Science

Student movement, political development and modernisation in India. , Rita Braz, Political Science

Political development, the People's Party of Pakistan and the elections of 1970. , Meenakshi Gopinath, Political Science

NASA's patent policies and the problem of technology transfer. , Philip Joseph Lang, Political Science

A model for rational decision-making in administration of mental retardation services. , Ellsworth Alden Pearl, Political Science

The emergence of Bangla Desh. , Bannu A. Shrikhande, Political Science

Theses from 1972 1972

The evolution of the Yugoslav policy of nonalignment. , Donald S. Connors, Political Science

The Massachusetts Racial Imbalance Act : the administration of public policy at the state and local levels. , Barbara Garde Garvey, Political Science

The Supreme Court, freedom of expression, and the law of libel. , James J. Magee, Political Science

Theses from 1970 1970

Four European neutrals and European integration. , George C. Grosscup, Political Science

Theses from 1965 1965

The United States Congress conference committee system and reciprocal trade legislation, 1951-1962. , Ernest A. Chaples, Political Science

Theses from 1961 1961

Political ideas of Harold J. Laski. , Yŏng-jun Kim, Political Science

Some political novels of the New Industrial Age, 1873-1915. , Roger P. Leemhuis, Political Science

Theses from 1960 1960

A case history in zoning: the Holyoke, Massachusetts experience. , Michael P. Curran, Political Science

The British Labour Party and the reform of the House of Lords, 1918 to date. , Yousan Wang, Political Science

Theses from 1941 1941

The United States and the world court. , Eleanor B. Julian, Political Science

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Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

100+ Politics-Related Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a politics-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political theory and philosophy, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also, be sure to sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

• Political theory and philosophy
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Public administration
• Public policy
• Examples of politics-related dissertations

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

• An analysis of the impact of feminism on political theory and the concept of citizenship in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030
• A comparative study of the political philosophies of Marxism and liberalism and their influence on modern politics
• An examination of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the relationship between individual freedom and collective responsibility in political philosophy
• A study of the impact of race and ethnicity on French political philosophy and the concept of justice
• An exploration of the role of religion in political theory and its impact on secular democracy in the Middle East
• A Review of Social contract theory, comparative analysis of the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau
• A study of the concept of the common good in political philosophy and its relevance to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe
• An examination of the relationship between political power and the rule of law in developing African countries
• A study of the impact of postmodernism on political theory and the concept of truth, a case study of the US
• An exploration of the role of virtue in political philosophy and its impact on the assessment of moral character in political leaders

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

• A comparative study of different models of federalism and their impact on democratic governance: A case Study of South American federalist states
• The impact of ethnic and religious diversity on political stability and democracy in developing countries, a review of literature from Africa
• An analysis of the role of civil society in promoting democratic change in autocratic regimes: A case study in Sweden
• A comparative examination of the impact of globalization on political institutions and processes in South America and Africa.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful democratization in authoritarian regimes, a review of the role of Elite-driven democratization
• A comparison of the political and economic systems of China and India and their impact on social development
• The impact of corruption on political institutions and democracy in South East Asia, a critical review
• A comparative examination of the impact of majoritarian representation (winner-take-all) vs proportional representation on political representation and governance
• An exploration of Multi-party systems in democratic countries and their impact on minority representation and policy-making.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful decentralization and regional autonomy, a case study of Spain

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of diplomacy and military force in resolving international conflicts in Central Africa.
• The impact of globalization on the sovereignty of nation-states and the changing nature of international politics, a review of the role of Multinational Corporations
• An examination of the role of international aid organizations in promoting peace, security, and development in the Middle East.
• A study of the impact of economic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict in international relations: A critical review of weaponized interdependence
• A comparative analysis of the foreign policies of the EU and the US and their impact on international stability in Africa
• An exploration of the relationship between international human rights and national sovereignty during the Covid 19 pandemic
• A study of the role of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)s in international politics and their impact on state behaviour
• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of international regimes in addressing global challenges such as climate change, arms control, and terrorism in Brazil
• An examination of the impact of the rise of BRICS on the international system and global governance
• A study of the role of ideology in shaping the foreign policies of states and the dynamics of international relations in the US

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

• An analysis of the impact of digital technology on public administration and the delivery of public services in Estonia
• A review of models of public-private partnerships and their impact on the delivery of public services in Ghana
• An examination of the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and accountability of public administration in Papua New Guinea
• A study of the impact of environmentalism as a political ideology on public administration and policy implementation in Germany
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and citizen engagement in the policy-making process, an exploration of gender identity concerns in schools
• A comparative analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, decentralisation and pay and employment reform in developing countries
• A study of the role of collaborative leadership in public administration and its impact on organizational performance
• A systematic review of the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in police services
• A study of the impact of corrupt public administration on economic development and regional growth in Eastern Europe
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and civil rights and liberties, including issues related to privacy and surveillance, a case study in South Korea

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

• An analysis of the impacts of public policy on income inequality and poverty reduction in South Sudan
• A comparative study of the effectiveness of legal and regulatory, economic and financial, and social and cultural instruments for addressing climate change in South Korea
• An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping public policy and the policy-making process regarding land-use claims
• A study of the impact of globalization on the development of public policies and programs for mitigating climate change in Singapore
• An exploration of the relationship between public policy and social justice in tertiary education in the UAE
• A comparative analysis of the impact of health policies for the management of diabetes on access to healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries
• Exploring the role of evidence-based policymaking in the design and implementation of public policies for the management of invasive invertebrates in Australia
• An examination of the challenges and opportunities of implementing educational dietary public policies in developing multicultural countries
• A study of the impact of public policies on urbanization and urban development in rural Indonesia
• An exploration of the role of media and public opinion in shaping public policy and the policy-making process in the transport industry of Malaysia

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a politics-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various politics-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• We, the Righteous Few: Immoral Actions of Fellow Partisans are Judged as Less Possible (Varnam, 2020)
• Civilizing the State: Civil Society and the Politics of Primary Public Health Care Provision in Urban Brazil (Gibson, 2012)
• Political regimes and minority language policies: evidence from Taiwan and southeast Asia (Wu, 2021)
• The Feminist Third Wave: Social Reproduction, Feminism as Class Struggle, and Contemporary Women’s Movements (Angulo, 2019)
• The Politics of Immigration under Authoritarianism (Joo, 2019)
• The politics of digital platforms: Sour Dictionary, activist subjectivities, and contemporary cultures of resistance (Okten, 2019)
• Vote choice and support for diverse candidates on the Boston City Council At-Large (Dolcimascolo, 2022)
• The city agenda: local governance and national influence in the policy agenda, 1900-2020 (Shannon, 2022)
• Turf wars: who supported measures to criminalize homelessness in Austin, Texas? (Bompiedi, 2021)
• Do BITs Cause Opposition Between Investor Rights and Environmental Protection? (Xiong, 2022)
• Revealed corruption and electoral accountability in Brazil: How politicians anticipate voting behavior (Diaz, 2021)
• Intersectional Solidarity: The Political Consequences of a Consciousness of Race, Gender and Sexuality (Crowder, 2020)
• The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Coalitional Representation of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives (Munoz, 2019)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. In other words, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Get 1:1 Help

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your dissertation or research project, check out our Topic Kickstarter service below.

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Home > School, College, or Department > CUPA > Political Science > Theses

Political Science Masters Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Corporatizing Violence: Targeted Repression of Indigenous Dissent in Democratic States , Laikaika Layne Rivera

The Arab Spring Uprisings in Geopolitical Context , Jake Alan Rutledge

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

The New Profits of Pleasure: Reality Television and Affective Exploitation in Post-Pandemic Neoliberalism , Sophia Aepfelbacher

Committees in the Oregon State Legislature: Partisan, Distributive, or Informational , Woodrow C. Moore

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Gender Equity and State-Mosque Relations in Middle East North Africa: A Case Study of Tunisia , Joy Amarachi Agbugba

Comparative Foreign Aid Analysis: Replacing the Competition Between Donors with Complementary Aid Policies , Emily Melinda Baker

Legislative Procedures and Perceptions of Legitimacy , Megan Elizabeth Cox

The Meaning and Measure of Deliberative Systems , Darren Michael McCormick

Same Game, Different Rules: Pointillist Imperialism and the New Cartography of Great Power Competition , Andrew Jesse Shaughnessy

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Trump's Legacy in the Middle East: Strategic Shift and the Geopolitics of American Foreign Policy in the Region , Bilel Kriaa

Freedom vs. Security: Analyzing the Connection between States' Prioritization of Security over Civil Liberties and Citizen Support for Democratic Norms , Carlyn Trumbull Madden

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Follow the (Electronic) Money: How Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology Are "Shaking the System" , Jim Robert Mignano

The Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Debate: Do Savings Provisions Influence Arbitration Outcomes? , Ryan Manning Moore

Understanding Evangelical Support for, and Opposition to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election , Joseph Thomas Zichterman

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

How Does Wasta Bolster Regimes? The Case of Tunisia , Issrar Chamekh

Indigenous Party Formation and Success: the Strategic Roles of Reserved Seats, Parties, and Horizontal Accountability , Michael FitzGerald

Arctic Security: the Race for the Arctic through the Prism of International Relations Theory , Michael Gregory Morgan Trujillo

Grappling with the African E-Waste Pandemic: Contributing Factors and Future Deterrence , Brittany Nicole Wideman

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Using the Syrian Civil War to Measure Hierarchy: Regional Power Transition in the Middle East , Eric Michael Clary

Understanding ASEAN : An Alternative Approach to International Relations Theory in Asia , Ryan Grimstad Driver

Evaluating the Impact of Oregon's Citizen Initiative Review (CIR) on Voter Decisions , Ari Joaquin Wubbold

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The 2016 Presidential Election: Demographic Transformation and Racial Backlash , Skyler Lillian Brocker-Knapp

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Manufacturing Consent in the Maghreb: How Mohammed VI of Morocco Survived the Arab Spring , David Michael Duke II

Substantive Representation by the Unelected: The Role of Staff Gender on Mayoral Priorities in U.S. Cities , Sara M. Hottman

BEE CAUSE: Is Legislative Action Protecting Bees from Neonicotinoids Justified? , Ursula A. Squire

Democratization, Political Performance, and Income Distribution in Argentina and Brazil , Nicholas Paul Stowell

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Europeanization of Political Parties: A Study of Political Parties in Poland 2009-2014 , Dennis Jan Blew

An Examination of Factors that Catalyze LGBTQ Movements in Middle Eastern and North African Authoritarian Regimes , Michael Anthony Figueredo

Liberalization, Contention, and Threat: Institutional Determinates of Societal Preferences and the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Morocco , Matthew Thomas Lacouture

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Responsibility to Protect and International Law: Moral, Legal and Practical Perspectives on Kosovo, Libya, and Syria , William R. Blackford

Synthesizing the Vertical and the Horizontal: A World-Ecological Analysis of 'the Industrial Revolution', Part I , Christopher R. Cox

Exploring Connections Between Efforts to Restrict Same-Sex Marriage and Surging Public Opinion Support for Same-Sex Marriage Rights: Could Efforts to Restrict Gay Rights Help to Explain Increases in Public Opinion Support for Same-Sex Marriage? , Samuel Everett Christian Dunlop

Moving Beyond Regulatory Mechanisms: A Typology of Internet Control Regimes , Richard Reid Hunt

The Effect of Social Media on Public Awareness and Extra-Judicial Effects: The Gay Marriage Cases and Litigating for New Rights , Sarahfina Aubrey Peterson

Explaining Ballot Initiative Contest Outcomes in California, Oregon, and Washington , Hans Daniel Stroo

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Macroeconomic and Political Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in the Middle East , Robin Barnaby Calver

The Strategic Effects of Counterinsurgency Operations at Religious Sites: Lessons from India, Thailand, and Israel , Timothy L. Christopher

Fated to Pretend?: Culture Crisis and the Fate of the Individual , Rebecca Jade Ok

Economic Inequality's Correlation with Political Inequality and Inequality of Opportunity and the Implications for Social Justice Theory , Staci Leigh Schoff

A Dissatisfied Partner: A Conflict - Integration Analysis of Britain's Membership in the European Union , Osman Goktug Tanrikulu

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Supranationalism in the Fight Against Transnational Threats: A Comparative Study of ASEAN and EU Policy Responses to Human Trafficking , Nicholas M. Klynn

The Crisis of Cooperation: A Critical Analysis of Russian-Iranian Relations in the Post-Soviet Era , Eric D. Moore

Public Participation in Emergency Management , Jason Alexander Rood

A Strategic Model for INGO Accountability Systems , Sarah Elizabeth Wardwell

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Fourth Amendment and Cyberspace: Conflict or Cohesion? , Federico Alberto Cantón

The Institutional Development of the American Vice Presidency , James Emory Hite

African Regime Types and International Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations: A Comparative Study of the Relationships of Friends and Enemies. , Krista Noel Lane

From Blooming Judicial Philosophies to Castrated Legislation: Sexuality, Desire, and Nominations to the Supreme Court of the United States , Adam Michael McMahon

The Expressive Goals of Bias Crime Legislation and the Media , Louis Panush

In or Out: Interpretation of European Union Membership Criteria and its Effect on the EU Accession Process for Candidate and Potential Member States of Southeastern Europe , Ashley Marie Rasmussen

Citizenship, Duty and Virtue: A Vision of Jefferson's America , Anthony Philip Stine

Diminished Democracy? Portland Radio News/Public Affairs After the Telecom Act of 1996 , Rebecca Webb

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Northeast Asia and the Avoidance of a Nuclear Arms Race , Samuel Fogleman

Regional Integration in East Asia , Amaleia E. Kolovos

Rashomon Comes to the Courtroom: the Adoption of the Lay Judge System in Japan, Its Impact on Jurisprudence, and the Implications for Civic Engagement , Bryan Matthew Thompson

Limitation Riders in the Postreform House: A Test of Procedural Cartel and Conditional Party Government Theories , Jessica Scott Tollestrup

Nihilism Unbound: Strauss, Nietzsche and Foucault as Nihilist Thinkers , Jeffrey Jacob Wade

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Radicalism in American Political Thought : Black Power, the Black Panthers, and the American Creed , Christopher Thomas Cooney

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Social Regulatory Policy : A Challenge to Federalism , Kimberly Janet Russell

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Prospect Theory and the Cyprus Conflict: Analyzing Decisionmaking in the Turkish Cypriot President , Tarah Marie Wheeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Presidential Domain: An Exploratory Study of Prospect Theory and US Climate Policy Since 1998 , Hal T. Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

International Environmental Regimes and Latin America : The Role of Environmental Non-governmental Organizations , Jennifer T. Eller

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

An Analysis of the Principal Arguments in Support of a Congressional Term Limit , Paul William Cadero-Smith

The Impact of Relative Gains on Interstate Cooperation in the Areas of Security and International Economy , Renato Corbetta

Free Trade, Regionalism, and the Democratic Peace Theory , Julia B. Johnson

Tocqueville’s Civic Republicanism : The Balance Between Equality and Liberty in American Democracy , Clifford Brantley Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

The Minimal Role of Legal Traditions at the International Court of Justice , Kalley Rae Aman

Virtue, Liberty, and the Good : A Critical Analysis of Civic Republicanism , Nathan Douglas Austin

Collective Intervention in Internal Conflicts : An Examination of Why States Participate , Andrew L. Blum

Public Interest Group Politics and American Political Culture , Patrick Henry Brennan

The Reemergence of Kantian Ethics: Have We Adequately Responded to Hegel's Objections? , Gwen C. Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

Oregon's Carry Concealed Weapon Laws: A Historical Review of the Right to Personal Protection , Richard Meek Bash

Neorealism and Environmental Cooperation: Towards a Structural Explanation of International Environmental Matters , Anthony David Lott

The Dangers of Nuclear Proliferation: Five Reasons More May Not Be Better , Matthew MacArthur

Theses/Dissertations from 1995 1995

Gaining State Response on Global Environmental Problem-Solving: Developing A State-centric Approach , Heather MacGregor Bothwell

Liberalism, Community, and the Context of Choice , Marta R. Colburn

Sustainable Development in the Third World: A New Paradigm? , Terry A. Gentry

Communicative Action as Feminist Epistemology , Todd Nathaniel Gilman

John Rawls, Feminism, and the Gendered Self , Lori Kinder MacArthur

Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Strategies for Self-help in Food Production, Case Study of Kenya , Dieudonne Mayi

State Cooperation on Regulatory Policies for Transboundary Environmental Issues , Jennifer Lyn Pennell

North vs. South: Sovereign Equality and the Environment in the Twentieth Century , Thomas Schlesinger

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

A Study of Japan's Foreign Policy Behavior: The Discrepancy between Japan's Foreign Policy and Its Voting Behavior in the United Nations General Assembly , Atsuko Sato

Theses/Dissertations from 1993 1993

The Liberal-Communitarian Debate and the Development of a Political Conception of the Person , Kenneth Howard Biggs

Common Security: a Conceptual Blueprint for an Israeli-Palestinian Political Settlement , Robert Arthur Horenstein

The United States-Japan Security Treaty of 1951: An Essay on the Origins of Postwar Japanese-American Relation , Christopher S. Johnson

Theses/Dissertations from 1991 1991

A Comparative Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy in Iran and the Philippines , Christina M. Blumel

Chinese Intellectual Dissidents , Meiru Liu

Theses/Dissertations from 1990 1990

John Rawls, the conception of a liberal self, and the communitarian critique , Johnathan Edward Mansfield

Politics and Education: The Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade , Teresa Squires Osborne

Theses/Dissertations from 1989 1989

An Analysis of US/Soviet Arms Control: Adding a Subsystem Perspective , Peter Millard Olson

Theses/Dissertations from 1987 1987

Hugo Grotius and the liberal tradition , Karen Diane Csajko

American Foreign Policy: The Utility of Force as an Influence, Bargaining, or Coercive Force in the Caribbean Basin , Susan M. Marandas

Theses/Dissertations from 1986 1986

Manipulation or education? : symbolic language, belief system and the Truman Doctrine , John Gunn Tilson

Theses/Dissertations from 1985 1985

Formulation of the Comprehensive employment and training act of 1973 , Gary G. Skalangya

Theses/Dissertations from 1984 1984

Integration in West Africa : an empirical examination of ECOWAS , Stephen C. Adkisson

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

Polish foreign policy and the development of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe , Keijiro Yasui

Theses/Dissertations from 1982 1982

Congressional Power and Presidential Prerogative: The War Powers Question , Gerald Michael Worley

Theses/Dissertations from 1979 1979

The political integration of the Kurds in Turkey , Kathleen Palmer Ertur

Impact of the Older Americans act of 1965 upon the elderly in Portland-Multnomah County, Oregon, from 1965 to 1977 , Joil A. Southwell

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Harvard University Theses, Dissertations, and Prize Papers

The Harvard University Archives ’ collection of theses, dissertations, and prize papers document the wide range of academic research undertaken by Harvard students over the course of the University’s history.

Beyond their value as pieces of original research, these collections document the history of American higher education, chronicling both the growth of Harvard as a major research institution as well as the development of numerous academic fields. They are also an important source of biographical information, offering insight into the academic careers of the authors.

Spanning from the ‘theses and quaestiones’ of the 17th and 18th centuries to the current yearly output of student research, they include both the first Harvard Ph.D. dissertation (by William Byerly, Ph.D . 1873) and the dissertation of the first woman to earn a doctorate from Harvard ( Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson , Ed.D. 1922).

Other highlights include:

• The collection of Mathematical theses, 1782-1839
• The 1895 Ph.D. dissertation of W.E.B. Du Bois, The suppression of the African slave trade in the United States, 1638-1871
• Ph.D. dissertations of astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (Ph.D. 1925) and physicist John Hasbrouck Van Vleck (Ph.D. 1922)
• Undergraduate honors theses of novelist John Updike (A.B. 1954), filmmaker Terrence Malick (A.B. 1966),  and U.S. poet laureate Tracy Smith (A.B. 1994)
• Undergraduate prize papers and dissertations of philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson (A.B. 1821), George Santayana (Ph.D. 1889), and W.V. Quine (Ph.D. 1932)
• Undergraduate honors theses of U.S. President John F. Kennedy (A.B. 1940) and Chief Justice John Roberts (A.B. 1976)

What does a prize-winning thesis look like?

If you're a Harvard undergraduate writing your own thesis, it can be helpful to review recent prize-winning theses. The Harvard University Archives has made available for digital lending all of the Thomas Hoopes Prize winners from the 2019-2021 academic years.

Accessing These Materials

How to access materials at the Harvard University Archives

How to find and request dissertations, in person or virtually

How to find and request undergraduate honors theses

How to find and request Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize papers

How to find and request Bowdoin Prize papers

• email: Email
• Phone number 617-495-2461

Related Collections

Harvard faculty personal and professional archives, harvard student life collections: arts, sports, politics and social life, access materials at the harvard university archives.

Home > Schools & Departments > HE > School of Social Sciences > Political Science Dept. > Student Theses

Political Science Department Student Theses

Browse the political science department student theses collections:.

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Home > FACULTIES > Political Science > POLITICALSCIENCE-ETD

Political Science Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Political Science, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Justice and Meaningful Work , Caleb Althorpe

NATO Cyber Defence, 2000-2022 , Ryan J. Atkinson

Beyond Recognition: The Significance of External Legitimacy for De Facto States in the Global Arena , Megan K. Payler Ms

The Populist Radical Right in the United States: Lessons from Europe , Jeremy C. Roberts

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Policy Momentum and Transgender Policy Inclusion: Explaining National Policy Change , Nicole McMahon

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

How can Local Transitional Justice Mechanisms Work Towards Measures of Non-Recurrence? , Isaac Bayor

Explaining the Origins and Evolution of the Global Financial Inclusion Agenda , Tyler Girard

The Problems Facing the International Criminal Court: African Perspectives , Sarah Nimigan

The Social Identity Approach to Leadership: The Case of Alberta , Samuel Routley

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Exhuming norms: Examining the influence of international norms on the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains in Northern Ireland , Tamara Kathleen Hinan

The Goldstone Commission in South Africa’s Transition: Linking Gradual Institutional Change and Information-Gathering Institutions , Tammy Lambert

NATO's Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan , Sakhi Naimpoor

Indigenous Land Claims and Reconciliation: The Importance of Land and Relationship Between Indigenous Nations and the Government of Canada , Joy S. Spear Chief-Morris

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Frontiers of Care , Thomas E. Randall

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Leading Canada's Cities? A Study of Urban Mayors , Kate Graham

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Branding in the Liberal Party of Canada from 2006 to 2015 , Elisha M. Corbett

Historical Institutionalism and the Politics of a Knowledge Economy , Michael Dietrich

Prime Ministers and Public Expectations: A Study of Institutional Change , Kenny William Ie

David Miller's Nationalism: A Critique , Ali Can Seven

Dealing with Disagreement: Towards a Conception of Feasible Compromise , Friderike Marta Gabriela Spang

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Doing Justice to Justice? Entanglements with Hegemony and Transitional Justice , Surer Q. Mohamed

Atlantic Drift: Supranational and American Think-Tanks in Comparison , Christopher James Rastrick

Republican Nationalism: Nations, Cultures, and Politics , Bojan Ratkovic

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Crown-Aboriginal Relations , Timothy E.M. Vine

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Should Voters Decide? Exploring Successes, Failures and Effects of Electoral Reform , Nicholas J. Caruana

Explaining the Evolution of the Arctic Council , Andrew Chater

The Origins and Evolution of De Facto States: Implications for Iraqi Kurdistan , Zheger Hassan

The Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Healing, Reconciliation, Resolution? , Jessica K. Howsam

Explaining the Establishment of the Independent Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court , Laszlo Sarkany

Elusive Peace, Security, and Justice in Post-Conflict Guatemala: An Exploration of Transitional Justice and the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) , Daniel W. Schloss

Municipal Associations, Membership Composition, and Interest Representation in Local-Provincial Relations , Alison Katherine Shott

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Theorizing 'Transitional Justice' , David Anton Hoogenboom

Structural Variation and Local Service Delivery: Comparing Municipal Governments and Special Purpose Bodies , Joseph R. Lyons

Rooted Cosmopolitanism , Robert Maciel

Canada and the 2001 United Nations World Conference against Racism , Steven J. Seligman

Authority Migration and Accountability in Canadian Type II Multilevel Governance , Robert W. Waterman

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Fluid Identities: Toward a Critical Security of Water , Cameron Harrington

The quest for territorial autonomy: Mapuche political identities under neoliberal multiculturalism in Argentina , Lucas Savino

Regional Organization and the Dynamics of Inter-Municipal Cooperation , Zachary Spicer

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Little Liberals: A Child-Centred Approach to the Inculcation of Values , Alison M. Braley-Rattai

Policy Implications of the Financial Crisis and Recession: Canadian Performance in Comparison , Michael W. Carfagnini

Democratic Opposition Parties and Democratic Outcomes in Hybrid Regimes , Jeremy M. Ladd

When voters decide: Causes, correlates and effects of the time-of-voting-decision , Robert M J McGregor

An Institutional Explanation of the Formation of Intergovernmental Agreements in Federal Systems , Jeffrey T. Parker

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Rethinking Justice in Transitional Justice: An Examination of the Mãori Conception and Customary Mechanism of Justice , Stephanie Vieille

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What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?

In today’s political climate, it is nearly impossible to go a day without reading the news and considering how politics impact our present and future. If this piques your interest, political science programs can provide a deeper understanding of how leaders obtain and maintain power, how social movements originate and gain momentum and how governments and other institutions can operate efficiently and transparently.

These programs also help to explain why voters may prefer one political candidate over another and empower students to make informed predictions about the outcomes of democratic elections. But what can you do with a political science degree in your career?

A degree in political science can open up many career paths. It can help you start a career in politics, policy-making, nonprofit organizations, business, media or education. Political science is also a popular choice for undergraduate students who plan to go to law school. Keep reading to learn more about the degree and potential career paths.

What is political science?

What can you do with a political science degree.

• Specializations in political science

Make an impact with your political science degree

Politics and international affairs major at furman.

Political science studies politics, government, and people’s behavior in the political arena. Students majoring in political science study political theory, exploring fundamental concepts behind political systems and comparative politics, examining different political systems and their institutions. They study international relations, covering global politics and diplomacy, as well as American politics, to understand the workings of the US government. 

Earning a degree in political science often involves learning highly marketable quantitative skills related to data analysis and statistics. This field covers ethics, justice and democracy, examines government systems and political behavior and applies theory to current events, including critical political issues for college-aged students like student loan forgiveness, racial equity and climate change. 

Students can also study public policy, political behavior and research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political world and its complexities as political science is increasingly becoming more data-driven. 

Politics plays a significant role in almost every aspect of our lives, such as education, housing, healthcare and international relations. Studying political science can provide a comprehensive understanding of the process of creating laws, including the differences in government structures across various nations. You will also gain insights into the development of public policies and how they impact the social and economic conditions of individuals. 

A major in political science can help you gain skills in research, communication and data analysis can be applied in various fields, both in the public and private sectors.

Politics and International Affairs Major

You can study the equivalent of political science at Furman to become knowledgeable global citizens through our Politics & International Affairs degree. By learning about political systems and cultures, we sharpen our communication, critical thinking and analysis skills. This helps us tackle political, social and economic problems.

Political science majors have many job opportunities in public, private and nonprofit sectors. Some work directly in politics and policy, while others use their skills in various careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for political scientists are expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032 , which is faster than average. Here are a few different fields to consider:

Government and public administration

• Public policy analyst. When studying the process of generating public policy, political science majors must have strong skills in critical thinking, writing and research to craft clear statements about the nature and impact of proposals for public policy. Policy analysts create a strong thesis and develop persuasive arguments for or against a particular policy initiative. Analysts use their knowledge of the political and legislative process to enlist the support of individuals who can help advance initiatives.
• Government official. Political science graduates can start their journey to becoming government officials at the local level, such as city council, and then advance to state or federal government positions, including becoming a senator. These roles involve public service, legislation and representing constituents. Political science graduates know how to navigate government complexities to create change in their communities. Internships, campaigns and civil service experience are essential stepping stones to impactful political roles.

International relations

• Diplomat. Diplomats promote their nation’s goals and maintain peaceful relations with other countries. Political science graduates with a strong foundation in international relations can excel in diplomacy. They start as foreign service officers and may become ambassadors, working on complex diplomatic issues to contribute to peaceful international relations. As ambassadors, they serve as key liaisons between their home country and the international community. 
• International non-governmental organization (NGO) worker. NGOs cover various causes such as human rights, environment, health and education. Political science graduates can work for NGOs to advocate for change, manage programs and mobilize resources to tackle global challenges. It is an opportunity to influence policy and collaborate with stakeholders while championing their causes.

Law and legal field

• Lawyer. Political science students can become constitutional lawyers by completing law school. Lawyers interpret and apply principles outlined in a country’s constitution to work on cases involving constitutional issues, civil rights and public policy. These lawyers ensure laws and government actions adhere to the constitution, protecting individual liberties and upholding the foundations of our society.
• Legal consultant. Legal consultants guide clients through complex legal matters and ensure compliance with regulations. Political science graduates provide strategic legal solutions, manage risk and contribute to client success and integrity within corporations or government agencies.

Media and journalism

• Political journalist. Political science graduates have a deep understanding of politics and government structures. They can work in journalism, delivering news and analysis that helps the public understand and engage with political issues. Political journalists are crucial in informing and educating the public, holding those in power accountable and shaping public discourse on important societal matters.
• Political analyst. Political analysts are experts in political systems, research and data analysis. They offer insightful commentary on complex issues, appearing on news programs, writing op-eds or participating in panel discussions. Their role is crucial in helping the public and policymakers make sense of current events, enriching public debates and decision-making.

Did you know?

Furman University has a rich history of producing graduates who excel in fields such as law, public policy, nonprofits and government. The Riley Institute , named after Richard W. Riley, former Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton, was founded in 1999 at Furman University. Riley himself graduated from Furman in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Additionally, the Trone Student Center is named after David Trone ’77, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you want to learn more about Furman, we invite you to fill out the form below or schedule a visit today.

Further specializations in political science

What else can you do with your political science degree? Political campaign strategy, public relations and lobbying share the goal of influencing public opinion and decision-making. They involve persuasion, communication and advocacy in politics. These professions rely on well-crafted messages, targeted outreach and relationships with key stakeholders to achieve their objectives. These career paths are interconnected in shaping the political landscape.

• Campaign manager. Campaign managers plan and execute political campaigns, coordinate teams, set objectives, craft messaging strategies, manage resources and oversee operations. Political science graduates have a deep understanding of political dynamics, communication and data analysis, making them well-equipped to navigate the complex world of campaign management and ensure success.
• Political consultant. Political consultants advise candidates on campaign strategies, public relations, messaging and voter outreach. With a strong foundation in political theory and analysis, political science students can become trusted advisors to political figures, helping them navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
• Public relations specialist. Political science students can become public relations specialists by leveraging their expertise in politics, government and communication. Public relations specialists shape the public image of politicians, organizations or campaigns, crafting compelling narratives, managing media relations and developing strategies to maintain a positive reputation. Political science graduates understand political dynamics and policy issues and are well-suited to manage crises and build solid and influential relationships with the public and media.
• Lobbyists. Lobbyists influence government decisions by building relationships, researching legislation and advocating for their clients. Lobbyists excel at communication and strategy, playing a crucial role in shaping public policies and ensuring diverse perspectives are heard in government.

In today’s world, characterized by complex political challenges and global interdependence, the study of political science plays a vital role in shaping policies and institutions that influence societies on a local, national and international scale. It offers many diverse and socially significant career opportunities, allowing graduates to pursue roles in government, diplomacy, policy analysis, advocacy and international relations. 

Studying political science offers numerous benefits. Not only will you have the opportunity to think critically about important and complex topics, but this degree program is versatile and offers a range of job opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. From consulting to business, finance to journalism, advocacy law, non-profits to government and international affairs to academic research, the possibilities are endless. 

If you’re passionate about uncovering the inner workings of government, policy and law, then political science is the perfect major for you.

The Furman Politics and International Affairs department provides students with the opportunity to explore the realms of local, national, and international politics in both theory and practice. The courses, led by experienced faculty members, cover a range of subjects, including public law, Congress, political philosophy and the politics of China.

The small class size allows for better debates, hands-on learning and opportunities to connect with others through Furman’s award-winning Mock Trial program. Additionally, students can participate in national and international internships through faculty-led programs.

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

How To Do In-Text Citations with Multiple Authors in APA Format

How to do in-text citations in mla format: a quick guide for students, how to become a therapist.

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Nelson Wins Service Award from APSA Section

Michael Nelson, Professor of Political Science, received the Service Award from the Law and Courts section of the American Political Science Association for his work (with Amanda Driscoll, Florida State University) organizing a series of mini-conferences to encourage connections between scholars of American and comparative courts. In their letter of nomination, attendees wrote: “Their efforts with these mini-conferences has been instrumental in nurturing graduate students, junior scholars, and international scholars; raising the profile of important work on courts generally and comparative courts specifically; and creating an intellectual community among law and courts scholars. In a field of excellent individuals who benefit our sub-field, they stand out for their sustained, inclusive, and thoughtful efforts that strengthen the study of law and courts now and toward the future.”

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The nature and purpose of this website is to assist students interested in the study of political science by helping them find resources and events provided by the University of Washington and outside providers.  This information is forwarded to this blog as a courtesy and an illustration of possible resources and events. The Political Science Department does not endorse or promote any specific products, events, services or vendors.

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Autumn 2024 Classes

Class Search Catalog available at  classes.osu.edu

POLITSC 1100 Introduction to American Politics

Semester | 3 credit units | Distance Learning

Introduction to American politics, the institutions and processes which create public policy, the strengths and weaknesses of the American political systems. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 3100 (300), 101, or 101H. This course is available for EM credit. GE soc sci orgs and polities course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course. SS Admis Cond course.

POLITSC 1200 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Introduction to modern nation-states outside the United States: problems of state- and nation-building, representation, conflict, and making of government policy in selected countries. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 100 or 100H. This course is available for EM credit. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 1300 Global Politics

Semester | 3 credit units | In-person or Distance Learning

Cooperation and conflict in world politics. Covers basic theories of international relations and key issues, including security, political economy, international organizations, and the environment. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 145 or 145H. GE soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 2150 Voters and Elections

Semester or Session 1 | 3 credit units | In-person 

Students will engage in an in-depth study of the mechanics of democracy. Students will take a close look at various forms of voting and representation around the world and examine the motivation and tactics of elite actors (candidates, reporters, interest groups, political parties, media personalities, etc.) and the voting public. GE soc sci indivs and groups course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.

POLITSC 2300 American Foreign Policy

The role of the United States in world politics since the Second World War, emphasizing structural change in economic and political-military relations. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 245 or 245H. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 2400 Introduction to Political Theory

Semester | 3 credit units | In-person

An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 210 or 210H. GE soc sci orgs and polities course.GE foundation social and behavioral sci course. SS Admis Cond course.

POLITSC 3001 Economy, Polity, and Community

Examines how different ways of thinking about human nature shape our understanding of philosophy, politics, and economics. Prereq: Econ 2001.XX or 2002.01 or 2002.03H; and Philos 2400 or PolitSc 2400 or 2400H; and Econ 5001 or Philos 2500 or 2540 or PolitSc 3500 or 4553 or 4553H; and Philos 3300; and Econ 3400 or IntStds 3400 or PolitSc 3780 or 3780H; and PolitSc 3280 or 4280 or 3380 or 4380 or 4381. Not open to students with credit for Econ 3001 or Philos 3001. Cross-listed in Econ and Philos.

POLITSC 3115 Introduction to the Policy Process

Introduction to the workings of policy-making processes within governments, and the use of social science reasoning to evaluate and improve the content of policies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 305.

POLITSC 3170 Political Psychology

Introduces students to political psychology, its development from parent disciplines, its topics and problems, its research results and methods, and their applications to current affairs. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 403 or Psych 403.

POLITSC 3191 Political Science Internship

Session 2 | 1 credit unit | Distance Learning

Combines experience in political institutions or policy processes with analysis of that experience. Prereq: Permission of the department. Repeatable to a maximum of 4 cr hrs. This course is graded S/U.

POLITSC 3220 Politics of the Developing World

A general introduction to the theoretical and substantive literature dealing with the historical development and contemporary characteristics of the new states of Asia and Africa. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 541. GE soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 3240 Political Violence

This course will expose students to major theoretical debates and broad empirical patterns of intrastate conflict during the post-World War II era.

POLITSC 3260 Global Politics of Health and Disease

Introduces students to the global politics of health and disease by examining the conceptual history, organizational actors, practice, and issues of global health politics through interdisciplinary texts in international relations, global health, and health policy.

POLITSC 3280 Politics of Markets

Introduction to the interaction between politics and markets, in theory and in practice. We study how markets are embedded in political and social institutions, and how political systems and markets are organized across time and space. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 4280.

POLITSC 3290 Comparative Public Policy

This course serves as an introduction to public policy in comparative perspective; its focus is on wealthy democracies. The first part of the course explores broad theories about how and why public policy differs so dramatically across countries. The second part of the course focuses on cross-national differences across specific policy domains.

POLITSC 3310 Defense Policy and National Security

This course addresses some of the basic issues surrounding national security policy. The primary focus is on policy issues related to the use of force between and within countries. The goal of the course is to provide the analytical tools and factual knowledge that are necessary to identify and assess current and future threats to national security.

POLITSC 3420 Political Theories of Democracy

An examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies. Prereq: 2400 (210). Not open to students with credit for 571.

POLITSC 3430 Political Theories of Freedom

Provides an overview of the various ways in which the value of human freedom has been understood and pursued in political life. Prereq: 2400 (210). Not open to students with credit for 570.

POLITSC 3596 Nationalism and Ethnicity

Session 2 | 3 credit units | In-person

Explores socio-political identities, especially ethnicity and nationality, from a comparative perspective. Drawing upon theories from political science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and economics, we will study the origins and characteristics of these identities, as well as their consequences for democracy, economic development, and violent conflict. GE soc sci indivs and groups and cross-disciplinary seminar course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 3780 Data Literacy and Data Visualization

Semester | 3 credit units | Distance Learning

Introduction to the tools of data analysis in political science, with an emphasis on data visualization. GE data anly course. GE foundation math and quant reasoning or data anyl course.

POLITSC 3785 Data Science for the Social and Behavioral Sciences

Semester | 3 credit units | In Person

Introduction to new issues in data science, including big data, machine learning, network interdependencies, and automated extraction of meaning from widely varied sources of data.

POLITSC 3905 Political Manipulation

Examines how political actors manipulate the rules and the salience and availability of information to shift political outcomes in their favor. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 577.

POLITSC 3912 Political Leadership

Establishment of a working definition of political leadership, investigation of recruitment of leaders, analysis of major functions political leaders perform, and assessment of consequences of political leadership. Prereq: 1100 (100), 1200 (101), or 3100 (300). Not open to students with credit for 612.

POLITSC 3950 Careers in Political Science

Designed to help students explore different career paths related to Political Science, engage with professionals working within a range of careers, and build a portfolio in preparation for entering the job market

POLITSC 4110 The American Presidency

An examination of the American presidency, emphasizing the contemporary role of the president, the institutionalized presidency, and theories of presidential behavior. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 501.

POLITSC 4115 Bureaucracy and Public Policy

An examination of bureaucracies as political institutions, and a consideration of their role in several areas of public policy implementation. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 510.

POLITSC 4123 Political Crisis and Reform

Semester | 3 credit units | In-Person

A survey of previous episodes of major reform in American politics, focusing on strategies used by reformers, evaluating the policy and political impact of their reforms, and applying lessons from these cases to contemporary political problems. GE historical study and soc sci orgs and polities course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 4130 Law and Politics

Analysis of the roles of judges and lawyers as participants in the American political process; analysis of courts as political institutions. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 516.

POLITSC 4132H Supreme Court Decision Making

Study of explanations for Supreme Court decisions; use of those explanations and independent research to predict justices' positions in current cases. Prereq: Honors standing or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 521H.

POLITSC 4135 American Constitutional Law

Assessment of the contemporary realities of U.S. governmental authority as interpreted by the judiciary; emphasis on judicial review, case and controversy requirements, and legislative and executive power. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 520.

POLITSC 4135E American Constitutional Law

Assessment of the contemporary realities of U.S. governmental authority as interpreted by the judiciary; emphasis on judicial review, case and controversy requirements, and legislative and executive power. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 4135. Honors course.

POLITSC 4137 The Politics of Legal Decision Making

An examination of the literature relating social-science theories and research to the law, focusing on the criminal justice system. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 515.

POLITSC 4140 Black Politics

Economic, political, and social constraints on the development of black political power; the efforts made by black people in recent times to organize for effective political action. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 504 or AfAmASt 4504 (504). Cross-listed in AfAmASt 4504.

POLITSC 4165 Media and American Politics

Session 1 | 3 credit units | In-Person

This course presents the modern study of the media and it role in the American political system, including supply and demand pressures and how they affect media content, its effects on citizens, and the emerging role of social media in politics. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 509.

POLITSC 4191 Internship

Semester or Session 2 | 0-10 credit units | Distance Learning

Combines experience in political institutions or policy processes with analysis of that experience in light of relevant scholarly literature. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs or 3 completions.

POLITSC 4242 Incomplete Democracies

Explores various forms of violence including electoral violence and political assassination, organized crime, police brutality, and other human rights abuses in Latin America. Prereq: Soph standing or above. Not open to students with credit for 542 or IntStds 4242 (542). Cross-listed in IntStds.

POLITSC 4245H Democratic Erosion

How do democracies become less democratic? This course will explore the causes and consequences of democratic breakdown in countries around the world and over time. Prereq: Honors standing, or permission of instructor.

POLITSC 4282 The Politics of Income Inequality

Introduces fundamental politics of income inequality and redistribution, including social policy development, redistributional policy differences between countries, and popularity of differing welfare programs. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 582.

POLITSC 4285 The Comparative Politics of the Welfare State

Analyzes different kinds of welfare capitalism including social, economic, and political considerations shaping welfare policy; and contemporary welfare reform as an exercise in reallocation, reorganization, and budget-cutting. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 578.

POLITSC 4300 Theories of International Relations

Various theories of world politics, such as realism, liberalism, long cycles, domestic and bureaucratic politics, and decision-making level theory. Prereq: 1300 (145). Not open to students with credit for 550.

POLITSC 4310 Security Policy

National security and military policy issues and trends since 1945; covers containment, deterrence, Vietnam, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and globalization. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 552.

POLITSC 4315 International Security and the Causes of War

Examines various issues regarding international conflict and cooperation, including theories of strategic interaction and the causes of war. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 544.

POLITSC 4318 The Politics of International Terrorism

Examines international terrorism's concepts and actors, the motivations and causes of terrorism, the experience of the United States, and tensions between freedoms and security. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 548.

POLITSC 4320 Strategies for War and Peace

Examination of how political leaders make decisions, emphasizing such issues as leaders' reasoning processes and the impact of public opinion and foreign policy bureaucracies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 545.

POLITSC 4327 Politics in the Middle East

Politics of Arab-Israeli relations, Persian Gulf, Islamic fundamentalism, and oil; processes of change and their effects on governments and international relations. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 546.

POLITSC 4331 The United Nations System

Activities and potential of the United Nations system in promoting economic well-being, environmental management, resource sharing, social justice, and control of violence. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 551.

POLITSC 4332 Politics of Globalization

Examines globalization's origins, impacts on human welfare, and political conflicts that arise from it, including actions of governments, multinational corporations, and the anti-globalization movement. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 557.

POLITSC 4455 Human Rights

Examines human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; coercive enforcement of rights; as well as hunger, violence, persecution, and economic rights. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 564.

POLITSC 4465 Feminist Political Theory

Examines concepts in feminist political theory including the articulation of feminism, the subjects of feminist theory, the relation of race, class and sexuality to gender experience, and the use of feminist theory to transform conceptions of justice. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for WGSSt 4465. Cross-listed in WGSSt.

POLITSC 4553H Game Theory for Political Scientists

Provides entry-level understanding of the basic concepts of game theory and how these concepts are applied to the study of political phenomena. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 4553 (587).

POLITSC 4781 Data Analysis in Political Science I

Semester | 3 credit units | In-person

Covers basic techniques for analyzing data in political science. Prereq: Math 1151 and one course in PolitSc at the 3000 level or above; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 485, 4781H (485H), 585, or 585H. GE data anly course. GE foundation math and quant reasoning or data anyl course.

POLITSC 4940 The Politics of Immigration

Provides overview of international migration phenomenon: patterns of international migration, reasons for immigration, acceptance of immigrants by governments and public, dynamics of anti-immigrant sentiment. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 543.

POLITSC 4998 Undergraduate Research in Political Science

Semester or Session 2 | 1-10 credit units | In-person

Undergraduate research in variable topics. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs or 10 completions. This course is graded S/U.

POLITSC 4999H Honors Thesis Research

Semester | 2-4 credit units | In-person

Honors thesis research with thesis adviser. Minimum of two semesters required of candidates for BA with distinction in political science. Prereq: Honors standing, and Sr standing, and enrollment in Political Science major, and permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs or 4 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Current as of 5/10/2024

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April 29, 2024

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Study reveals voter moral justifications for politicians' misstatements

by Carnegie Mellon University

In a new study, researchers have used online surveys conducted primarily when Donald Trump was president to show that both Republican and Democratic voters provided explicit moral justification for politicians' statements that were factually inaccurate, especially when they aligned with their personal politics.

The study was conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Rice University, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It appears in the American Journal of Sociology .

"What we found is that political misinformation isn't just about whether voters can tell facts from fiction," said Oliver Hahl, associate professor of organization theory, strategy, and entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, who co-authored the study. "It seems like it's more about how statements, whether true or not, speak to a broader political agenda."

Researchers conducted six surveys to gauge voters' responses to statements by politicians that flouted the norm of fact-grounding (i.e., that one should stick to facts when giving a statement) while proclaiming deeper, socially divisive "truths." Five were conducted during Trump's presidency and one was conducted in the spring of 2023. Participants were recruited from either Amazon's Cloud Research Platform, a crowd-sourcing platform that assists people with virtual tasks, or Prolific, a research platform that provides academics and companies access to participants for studies and surveys.

All six surveys had similar structures and questions, though some questions were specific to a particular political context. Each survey gauged voters' reactions to false statements by politicians, including Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, President Joe Biden, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

The results of all the surveys showed a significant tendency by partisans to deliberately support violations of the norm of fact-grounding, justifying these factually inaccurate statements in moral terms when they could have relied on a factual justification. The surveys also provided consistent evidence that voters distinguish between objective evidence and truth, favoring the latter when judging statements of favored politicians and the former when judging disfavored candidates.

Importantly, results from the last two surveys indicated significant moral flexibility among both Democrats and Republicans.

The results challenge the common belief that partisan voters' positive reactions to misinformation from their party leaders are solely because of laziness or bias leading them to confuse factually inaccurate information for truth. Instead, the evidence consistently shows that voters are flexible with the facts—exhibiting factual flexibility.

Yet they also provide consistent evidence of moral flexibility, whereby voters justify demagogic fact-flouting, or disregarding or ignoring facts, as an effective way of proclaiming a deeply resonant political "truth." A key implication is that political misinformation cannot be eliminated by getting voters to distinguish fact from fiction; voters' moral orientations may be such that they prefer fact-flouting.

In most studies, Trump supporters showed considerable flexibility with the facts regarding his statements. However, the study focusing on the "big lie," which surveyed only those who voted for Trump in 2016, proved to be an exception.

Conducted in 2021, the survey explored voters' responses to Trump's claims that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was "rigged" or "stolen." Participants were more likely to consider Trump's allegations as grounded in objective evidence rather than subjective viewpoints.

Compared to other topics, Trump's allegations that the election was stolen were portrayed as factual. There is less moral flexibility with this issue, possibly because these claims were presented more as facts. However, the emphasis on factual accuracy concerning the big lie still varies based on people's political affiliations.

Among the limitations of their work, the authors note that the statements used in the surveys represented just one type of political misinformation (demagogic fact-flouting by partisan politicians). In addition, the measurement and analysis strategy used was new and lacked a track record, and the samples were not nationally representative.

"Our findings reiterate the sociological insight that commitment to democratic norms cannot be assumed and indicate the importance of that caution when it comes to the problem of political misinformation," said Minjae Kim, Assistant Professor of Management at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business, and study co-author.

"In particular, efforts to combat voters' positive response to misinformation cannot be limited to teaching them to simply work harder to digest accurate information (e.g., fact-checking)."

Journal information: American Journal of Sociology

Provided by Carnegie Mellon University

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POV: Decision to Reclassify Marijuana as a Less Dangerous Drug Is Long Overdue

Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash

Move signals a new opportunity for scientific research and economic opportunities, but quest i ons remain

Seth blumenthal.

In 1971, when asked about psychiatric professionals’ support for cannabis’ therapeutic applications and benefits, President Richard Nixon complained, “Most people would do a hell of a lot better with a preacher than a psychiatrist.” For Nixon, removing science from the cannabis discussion and elevating morality and virtue moved the conversation into his long-standing concern with youth’s ever-growing permissiveness.

However, cannabis science seems to be making a comeback. In a widely anticipated, but still controversial announcement, the Biden administration indicated that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will move cannabis out of its Schedule I narcotic classification—grouped with the most dangerous drugs, such as heroin, that the DEA deems highly addictive and of little or no medicinal value. With cannabis a Schedule III substance, businesses will now be allowed to invest in the industry with tax relief and researchers will have an opportunity to investigate cannabis without the draconian restrictions on funding in place since 1971.

While many cannabis legalization activists argue that the move does little to address the historical wrongs of the war on drugs and fails to end federal marijuana prohibition, it is important to note this foundational shift away from the moralistic and criminalized framing perpetuated over the last 50 years since Nixon ensured this outdated scheduling classification.

When Nixon announced the war on drugs and his signature contribution in 1971, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), narcotics enforcement in America suffered from a fragmented patchwork of policies that begged for federal standards across state lines and provoked a controversy about where cannabis stood in relation to other “street drugs.” Marijuana, the symbolic drug of the counterculture, quickly became a political football in the increasingly heated dialogue surrounding the generation gap. Hoping to diffuse this tension, Nixon appointed Governor Raymond P. Shafer (R-Pa.), a former prosecutor, as head of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse to develop guidelines for prevention and law enforcement as well as scheduling recommendations.

The Shafer Commission conducted the most extensive and comprehensive examination of marijuana ever performed by the US government. They recorded thousands of pages of transcripts of formal and informal hearings, solicited all points of view, including those of public officials, community leaders, professional experts, and students. They also organized a nationwide survey of public beliefs, information, and experience with drugs. In addition, they conducted separate surveys of opinion among district attorneys, judges, probation officers, clinicians, university health officials, and “free clinic” personnel. In total, they commissioned more than 50 projects to survey enforcement of the marijuana laws in six metropolitan jurisdictions.

Nixon found himself in the awkward position of opposing his own study as the report claimed that marijuana did not cause hallucinations and that there was no evidence pot itself caused “crime, sexual immorality or addiction to hard drugs.” The commission recommended that private use be legalized, but further suggested that Nixon should remove drug classification from the DEA purview to allow cannabis rescheduling. As Congressman James Scheuer (D-N.Y.) observed, the commission’s recommendation to decriminalize marijuana represented a “great step forward in regaining the credibility of the youth in our country.”

Nixon disagreed. A week before the report came out, the president announced he would never decriminalize cannabis no matter the study’s findings. “I don’t want psychiatrists,” Nixon grumbled, “I want to smash the dope peddlers.” Thus, Nixon maintained an enforcement- and supply side–focus on cannabis policy that exaggerated prohibition’s moral righteousness, dismissed the scientific evidence, and maintained the DEA’s control over scheduling, which stifled researchers’ efforts to understand this widely used substance.

While efforts to persuade the DEA to reschedule cannabis failed several times, this imminent correction raises a new controversy. Even cannabis activists question the impact this new policy will have on enticing “Big Pharma” and corporate investment, often at odds with the public health research that rescheduling allows and threatening the struggling effort in each state to foster economic and racial equity in the industry. While the opening of both research and economic opportunities reflect a shared effort to bring cannabis science out of the morality framing Nixon preferred, Biden’s efforts shift the question from “whether” we should reschedule to “how.”

Seth Blumenthal, a master lecturer in the College of Arts & Sciences Writing Program, can be reached at [email protected] .

“POV” is an opinion page that provides timely commentaries from students, faculty, and staff on a variety of issues: on-campus, local, state, national, or international. Anyone interested in submitting a piece, which should be about 700 words long, should contact John O’Rourke at [email protected]. BU Today reserves the right to reject or edit submissions. The views expressed are solely those of the author and are not intended to represent the views of Boston University.

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