Dan Lindley

POLS 522/622

Paper Proposal Guidelines

February 4, 2004

BIG PICTURE: In this class, we are learning about the strengths and weaknesses of the case study method. For the paper for this class, you are to apply what you learned from the study of our books by doing your own case study (or two) that uses the theories in our books (or adapting/inventing based on those theories).

In about a page, cover the following points:

1. A puzzle or question that interests you within the domain of FP and security studies.

Note: Van Evera’s chapter 5 will be of great help. An interpolated combination of Chapter 4 and the Appendix (ie somewhere in between a diss and a short paper) will also help. A sentence or three somewhere in your proposal on why you thought of this topic, what it means to you, and what special interests and background you bring to bear on the subject are appropriate. A sentence or two on why this topic might interest a policy maker and/or IR scholar would help.

2. A preliminary version of the argument you want to make. Here say what theory or combination of theories you will use to explain a USFP historical event, policy, or decision. Answer explicitly: What causes what? If you can arrow diagram your argument, that is a good sign that you are achieving some clarity on what argument you wish to make.

3. Some ideas on how you will go about proving your argument. This involves at least three parts:

A. Say a few words about the methodological techniques you will use to make your argument persuasive. How will you prove your point? Graduate students should be explicit about what existing methodological tools they will use.

B. Say a few words about what evidence you will need to gather to prove your points. I want you to think about this early on, so you know the size of the task you face and get some idea if you can really do what you want to do.

C. Say a few words about the most prominent contending arguments that might also answer your question or resolve your puzzle. I want you to approach your puzzle with your eyes open and I want you to be fair and honest with your data.

4. An ideal paper will resemble a journal article: a theoretical and/or an empirical puzzle, a new argument (usually a novel use of theory, an adaptation of theory, a new theory, etc), a section on methods, and then a case study or two to prove or flesh out the argument. Conclusion.