Comparative Analysis Papers

Throughout the course you will write two comparative analysis papers. Each paper needs to be 4-6 pages long (double space). Your first paper will compare a component of a major theme across two developed democracies, such as Britain and France, or Germany and Japan. Your second paper will compare a component of a major theme across two developing countries such asIndia and Mexico, or Nigeria and Iran.

Here aretwoexample topics/questions:

Topic/Question 1

Britain, France, and Germany all have a "racial problem" (referring to the Muslim populations in their territories). While the three European nations share many similarities, they evidently differ in how they handle this problem.

Brits have adopted an integrationist approach to this problem, French approach is much more assimilationist, and the German model is quite exclusionist.

Compare and contrast the three approaches by describingthe rationale behind whyeach nation adopted a different approachand exposethe weaknesses and strengths of each. Finally, advance an argument about why one approach isbetter than others and support your claims with clear evidence and examples.

Topic/Question 2

Corruption and organized crime are major issues in Russia and Mexico. These issues are linked to lack of development, high socio-economic inequality, and mistrust for political institutions.

Compare and contrast the two cases in terms of how corruption and organized crime inform the politics in each country, are crime and corruption more centralized in one country than in the other- why and how? Finally, make an argument about implications for democracy in both cases, and support your claims with clear evidence and examples.

Note onresearch andcitation:in order to make a persuasive argument,students are expected toprovide appropriate factual evidence from reliable sources to support their claims.

The number of sources might vary depending on the project, however students should plan on referring tono less than different sources. All of the sources mustbeproperly cited and give credit to the original author. In regards to citation style, you are welcome to use any style you prefer as long as you remainconsistent