Research Paper:
Each enrolled student is expected to produce an independent research paper at
the end of this course. To this end, students shall, in consultation with me, select a country/topic
of their choice. The topic must be related to the general theme of contemporary African politics –
the focus of this course. I expect all students to have chosen and submitted their country/topics by
the end of week 4.
For the research paper, each student will:
(a) choose a country in Africa;
(b) identify an important political, economic, or social problem in that country;
(c) identify two or more potential causes of that problem,
(d) conduct research and analysis to identify which causes have the most empirical support,
(e) then make recommendations (directed to the government of that country) on how best to
solve the problem.
For this assignment, you are required to draw from materials studied in class to describe the
problem and potential causes and solutions. Relevant data should be presented in tables or figures
format. A good paper will demonstrate an understanding of concepts studied in the class and the
ability to apply concepts from class to that research.
The research paper should be anchored on a set of questions and an analytical perspective that
attempt to explain the problem or puzzle that interest you. The essay should have a clear thesis
statement and demonstrate a sophisticated use of supporting sources. The research paper must be
mechanically sound and contain a full bibliography that lists all sources used in the research, such
as books/monographs, academic journal articles, newspaper articles, web sources, and statistical
databases.
This writing assignment is expected to be between 8-10 pages, double-spaced.
Your completed
paper should have well-organized paragraphs, which convey ideas in a logical, coherent fashion,
and must meet the guidelines specified below:
1. provide a thesis for investigation
2. discuss and analyze carefully selected aspects of your chosen topic
3. examine and critique contending perspectives and interpretations
4. draw your own conclusions, and
5. discuss the broader significance and relevance of your analysis.
The country we will be focusing on is Sudan and its current political issues with the transition to democracy. The textbook will help provide you with historical context as to why Sudan may be facing these struggles. Please do not go off and talk about unnecessary information, please just do exactly what the prompt is asking.
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