Comparative Case Study Exercise, 2-3 pages (double-spaced)
: This assignment requires
students to identify a research problem in political science that interests them and explore
it by selecting at least two units of analysis for comparison. This assignment has three
components to it and must be structured in the following matter using the headings below:
1. Research Problem
: What research problem will be investigated and why? What
variables and/or concepts are important for this investigation? How are these
variables and/or concepts going to be defined? What are the parameters of this
inquiry?
2. Units Selected
: Which units are being selected? Why? What will each unit tell us
about the research problem that is going to be investigated?
3. Justification for Selection
: Why were these units selected? What will these units tell us about the research problem? How do the units’ similarities and/or differences help
to better address the research problem? This assignment does not require citation and a bibliography. However, students are strongly encouraged to consult some of the supplementary readings on case studies and comparisons. Moreover, students should wisely do some preliminary research into their
topic and units for reasons of precision and grounding. Unless an extension has been granted, this assignment must be submitted no later than
23:59 on October 18. Late submissions will be accepted until 23:59 on October 20 with a penalty of one letter grade. F
