Writing for Political Science

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The most important aspect of a political science assignment is an argument that reflects a position on a contentious

problem. A political science paper is not descriptive; it is argumentative, thesis driven, and evidence based.

1) Types of Assignments

a) Article and book reviews

- These involve identifying and critically assessing the thesis made by the author of the article/book and the

arguments provided to support the thesis

- There is some summary, but the emphasis is on a critical reflection on the meaning, significance and

implications of the arguments made in the article/book.

b) Take home exams

- These involve clearly and concisely stating the answer to the question posed. They usually require engagement

with course material to show comprehensive mastery and the ability to analyse and assess theoretical and conceptual

problems in the context of particular cases or situations.

c) Research Essays

- The vast majority of political science assignments are research essays. These require a clear, argumentative

thesis statement demonstrated through an organized development of arguments that relate to the main claim to be

made.

- Questions may ask students to “evaluate,” or “critically assess” and may include multiple sub-questions to

ensure that students effectively cover the scope of the topic.

- Research and understanding of the literature and/or perspectives on the problem are necessary. Students

should narrow their scope of argument and offer sufficient examples (from case studies, citations or sources, text

analysis) to demonstrate their claims in an in-depth and focused way.

- For political theory papers, a close examination and critical analysis of course texts, rather than outside

research, is required. The emphasis is still on clear, concise, arguments.

2) Thesis statements for political science

Developing a strong thesis statement involves having a good question.

Political science arguments benefit from reflection on the following questions:

What is the political problem you are interested in?

Who does it matter to?

Why does it matter?

The thesis statement should be clear, focused, concise, and arguable. Above all, it should investigate a contentious

political problem. The thesis sentence is usually the one sentence in the paper with the potential to assert, control, and

structure the entire argument.

Writing for Political Science

This copy is solely for the use by a student, staff or faculty member. Any other use may be an infringement of copyright if

done without securing the permission of the copyright owners.

The thesis statement should make a claim (rather than a descriptive observation). It should define the scope of your

argument and shape your argument.

For example:

The attempt to industrialize in the Global South has meant that countries have gotten into more debt than they can pay

off.

This thesis statement is too general – it doesn’t specify which countries, or over what time period. A better thesis

statement is more specific and shapes the argument to come:

While the 1980s debt crisis in the Global South was set off by a multitude of causes (rising interest rates, an oil embargo),

‘irresponsible’ lending from the Global North should also be considered a significant factor.

This thesis statement acknowledges the complexity of the issue, but clearly focuses in on one key factor to be addressed

in the paper.

3) Expectations of Political Science professors

 The essay is well structured. This means that the thesis statement is well supported throughout the essay by

well developed points

 More analysis than description – this is particularly true for citations. Avoid integrating a citation without

appropriate analysis and explanation of its relevance to the argument being made.

 Introduction is convincing and sets up the problem the paper takes up

 Conclusion reinforces the argument in the body of the paper and explains why it is significant and for whom

 Topics must be narrow and focused. While professors might offer broad initial topics, students are expected to

define a smaller, more manageable aspect of the problem for the focus of their argument. For example,

identifying one specific case study is often useful.

 Be specific in the claims made and avoid over-generalization. Eg. “Conservatives always argue…” is too broad.

 The meaning of large contested concepts should always be clarified as it is being used in the context of the

paper. Define your terms.

 Papers may be required identify gaps or silences in the source material, or counter-arguments. Political science

professors expect students to identify possible critiques of both the research their papers draw on, and critiques

of students’ own arguments

 Claims are supported by evidence and thoughtful reflection – move past the emotional into the reflective and

maintain consistency in tone. Is the paper descriptive (describing a problem or situation) or normative (making a

prescription for said problem or situation)? Political science papers often engage with contemporary polemics

that speak to one’s opinion. However, students should ensure that their opinion is phrased in a formal manner

and supported by evidence.