Assignment: Project Overview

Your comparative politics project will require you to write a research paper in which you analyze and make recommendations about a key political issue in the United States, Nigeria, or Mexico. You select only one nation as your focus hose only one of the questions below to discuss as the topic of your research paper:

1. USA. "Describe what you feel will be one or two key economic and social issues to be debated at the 2016 Presidential elections in the United States - based on your work in this class. What direction do you feel should be taken in the country in order to solve the specific problems mentioned?"

2. Nigeria. Read your textbook's chapter on Nigeria in West Africa. Answer the question: "How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated Nigeria's social and economic problems? What direction do you feel Nigeria should take in the future? Explain."

3. Mexico. Read your textbook's chapter on Mexico in Central America. Answer the question: "How and why did forces undermining the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) emerge, culminating in the victory of Vicente Fox of PAN (the National Action Party). In political terms, where do you feel Mexico should go in the future?"

Submit a final thesis statement and outline for your Comparative Politics Project. In the outline show where you will insert your research quotations and citations.

• Thesis is clearly stated for the intended audience.
• Outline follows the Roman Numeral Format and provides details of the main points and sub points that will be addressed in paper

• Thesis contains the seeds of all of the key points to be developed in the paper.
• Ideas and examples listed in outline are developed out of thesis bringing coherence (ideas follow a logical order and are connected to each other).

Writing is developed to "show," that is, to be concrete and scenic with narrative rather than just "tell" with abstract exposition. Concrete examples, quotations, anecdotes, descriptions, etc. are fully developed in effective proportion to support the ideas of the thesis and outline.

• Writing uses Standard Edited American English. Language and diction are appropriate to audience.
• Follows rules for grammar, spelling and usage. Writing has a polished and elegant style.

• Supporting details are well researched and accurate. A variety of sources are incorporated (minimum of 4). Sources are credible and are cited correctly using APA style.