|
 |
||
|
|
|||
Links to course pages:
-
PS218 Afghan Conflicts & the War on Terror
-
Y200/N204
-
Y396/N305 Conflict, Conflict Resolution & State Building (IU, Spring & Fall 2004...)
-
Y107 Introduction to Comparative Politics (IU, Fall 2004...)
-
Y102/N205 International Political Controversies (IU Spring 2006,...)
-
Y401/N305/N695/Y657/W405 Muslims in Western Politics (IU, Fall 2005...)
-
Y657/N695 Researching Civil War (IU graduate, Sping 2005...)
How do I write effective papers?
Feel welcome to consult, print and use the following paper writing aides:
- A thorough paper writing checklist (pdf; courtesy of Darren Schreiber, Esq.)
- A very useful 2-page guide, particularly for papers dealing with historical topics (pdf, courtesy of UCLA History Professor James Gelvin.)
- Excellent writing tips from Duncan MacRae (pdf, 5 pages) who also recommends Joseph William's Ten Lessons in Quality and Grace.
- Check out Colorado State's extensive resources for budding & experienced writers
- Click here for an online guide for Writing Research Papers prepared by the Humanities Department of Capital Community College.
For those who want to invest a few dollars in a writing guide, I recommend the concise and affordable classic The Elements of Style by William Strunk & E. B. White. If you already know you want to join an M.A. or Ph.D. program then buy Kate Turabian's essential A Manual for Writers to master the complexities of formatting academic documents.
Also consider using the great resources at the IU Writing Programs to develop your essay writing skills.
How do I avoid plagiarism?
Check this comprehensive guide (courtesy of www.turnitin.com)
How do I research my papers (UCLA)?
You must invest in familiarizing yourself with library resources and how to use them effectively early in your academic career. It might take you some time to become familiar with library resources but you will soon appreciate the benefits of being able to access the information you need whenever you need it. It is not difficult to learn how to use library resources on your own but take full advantage of library classes and the help of the wonderful librarians at College and YRL . UCLA undergrads should become familiar with at least the following databases:
- Orion 2: Use Orion 2 to locate books and journals in the UCLA libraries.
- CDL (California Digital Library): This database allows you to find books in all major California libraries. This is where you look if there is a volume you need that isn't available at UCLA. Use the inter-library service to have it forwarded to you for pickup at a UCLA library.
- Lexis-Nexis: The ultimate resource for non-book items. It provides you, among other things, with an immense collection of newspaper, journal and magazine articles from all over the world. And the best part is that they are mostly digitized and accessible online, thus sparing you the trip to the library shelves.
But remember that the ultimate research tool is good judgment. Researching any topic could become a long exhausting project if you don't develop a well-targeted research plan that you refine as you discover better search terms and develop new ideas. You should also be able to effectively assess the credibility of the sources you use: how reliable are they? is the writer a scholar, a journalist, or someone with a parochial policy agenda? How reliable is the data? What are competing views? Assessing the credibility and quality of sources is particularly important if you use the Internet as a research tool.
A note on using the Internet for research.
There are two problems with the use of Internet material:
- Many Internet sites have a very short life span, making it difficult for sources to be verified, and
- In contrast to articles in magazines and journals, or books published by reputable presses, information on the Internet often does not go through editorial/academic screening process.
Anyone can put anything onto the Internet--there is therefore a great deal of variation in the extent to which information on this media is reliable. This is not meant as a blanket condemnation of Internet use. Considerable posted information is based on printed material, in which case its reliability is that of the posting magazine, journal, network or author. Likewise many governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations maintain Internet sites which are quite useful. Thus Internet materials may be employed, but with caution.
What can I do with a B.A. in Political Science?
Check this 3-page guide (from the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville) .for the career and academic routes generally available for those with a B.A. in poli sci. The following links are helpful to help you chart an education and a career but remember that a fulfilling career generally requires you to further your education beyond the B.A. level.
-
American Political Science Association - Online Resources to Find a Job
-
Lawyers and Judicial Workers from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
-
College and University Faculty from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Could you write me a letter of recommendation?
Yes, if your grade was an A or A+.
I'm a previous student. Can I ask you for advice?
Sure. Just send me an email to make an an appointment:
Some other links:
- IU Department of Political Science
- American Political Science Association
- US News Ranking of Poli Sci Departments. Stanford is only second to Harvard, UCLA ties in eighth place, and IU ranks 18th.
For PS30 students: How can I learn more about game theory?
- Play the Prisoners' Dilemma game against a computer opponent, courtesy of a Princeton scholar.
- Prisoners' Dilemma handout
- A history of game theory by Paul Walker
- A website on game theory by UCLA economics professor David Levine.
- A good reference page by Harvard's Al Roth. Check it out if you are curious about the state of the art applications of the concepts you are learning in this class.