here is my research proposal: “1) Descriiption/Justification for Your Topic: The

here is my research proposal: “1) Descriiption/Justification for Your Topic:
The current state of politics marked by divisions poses a significant challenge to the democratic foundation of our nation. This issue is incredibly important as the United States, once seen as a shining example of democracy, now faces struggles that question its existence. The echoes of challenges like the Civil War serve as reminders of the seriousness of this situation. It is urgent that we understand the factors driving this polarization in order to safeguard our democracy. This research holds significance for policymakers, scholars, and citizens alike as it aims to unravel the complexities that have led to the state of American politics.
2) The Literature Review:
By drawing from a range of sources, this literature review will primarily focus on peer-reviewed articles and books to develop a comprehensive understanding of the vast body of knowledge surrounding political polarization. Five key sources will be analyzed, examining both shared viewpoints among authors and areas where disagreements exist. By categorizing these authors based on perspectives and identifying gaps in existing research, we can contribute a perspective on understanding political polarization.
Selected Literature:
Fiorina, M. P. (2005). “Culture War? The Myth of a Polarized America.”
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). “How Democracies Die.”
Hetherington, M. J., & Weiler, J. D. (2009). “Authoritarianism and Polarization in American Politics.”
Sunstein, C. R. (2017). “#Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media.”
Putnam, R. D. (2000). “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.”
3) Writing a Research Question:
Research Question: What are the underlying causes and consequences of the deep political polarization in contemporary America, and how have historical events and party transformations contributed to this phenomenon?
4) Thesis Statement:
In exploring the roots of political polarization, this research contends that historical events, party transformations, and societal changes have converged to create a divisive political landscape. The consequences of this polarization are far-reaching, impacting democratic norms, civic engagement, and the overall stability of American democracy.
5) Preview Your Argument, Methods, and Evidence:
Argument: The research will argue that the polarization of American politics is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by historical events, party transformations, and societal shifts.
Methods: A mixed-method analysis will be employed, combining qualitative approaches such as historical research and content analysis with quantitative methods involving statistical analysis of voter behavior and party ideologies.
Evidence: Primary sources, historical documents, party platforms, and statistical data will be used to support the argument, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of political polarization.
6) Present a Working Bibliography:
Fiorina, M. P. (2005). “Culture War? The Myth of a Polarized America.”
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). “How Democracies Die.”
Hetherington, M. J., & Weiler, J. D. (2009). “Authoritarianism and Polarization in American Politics.”
Sunstein, C. R. (2017). “#Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media.”
Putnam, R. D. (2000). “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.”
This research proposal aims to contribute a nuanced understanding of political polarization, shedding light on its origins, consequences, and implications for the future of American democracy. Through a meticulous examination of scholarly literature and a mixed-method analysis, this study seeks to uncover the complexities that have led to the current state of political division in the United States.”
here is professor’s comment on the proposal: ”
This looks very promising. I’m encouraged that you have taken the appropriate cues from the polarization modules. That said, there are a few issues I’ll draw to your attention.
You need to be more expansive and more transparent on what your methods will be. Your methods should guide and inform your study–so it’s crucial that you specify in greater depth how your project will proceed.
You need to be more specific on what aspect of political polarization you are examining. This is a broad term that needs to be defined and delineated. This will also help you limit the scope of inquiry.
Need to go further and deeper on your proposed argument. It’s quite alluring and promising–but it’s too spare–even for a proposal.
Overall, this is a very good proposal. As with your prior work, it’s thoughtful, reflective, and well-written.”
here is the writing guide: “Here’s a writing guide that I’ve developed over the years that should help you plan and implement a successful project. Keep in touch and good luck!
Referring to this guide will help you plan and execute a successful research project. For stylistic issues (footnoting, bibliography, etc.) please refer to any of the major college-writing guides. The bookstore has several writing guides available for purchase.
The Before Writing Stages
Start Early. A research paper is an evolutionary process. In order for you to have sufficient time to reflect upon the question(s) at hand, you must allow yourself ample time to filter the material through your own cognitive lens. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you will not be able to ponder and revise your original thoughts and hypotheses. Moreover, trained readers can smell an insufficiently prepared paper at seventy paces! In short, give yourself plenty of time and start early. Rule #1 about preparing a research paper: They always take more time than you originally anticipate.
Break down the component tasks of the assignment AKA how to AFOS (Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed Syndrome). AFOS strikes all students at some time in their career. AFOS can be a debilitating condition–but it can be overcome. To avoid AFOS make a plan (this is not an outline) of attack that breaks down the various tasks of the assignment (collecting the materials; making an outline, revising and polishing stages, etc.). By apportioning the entire assignment into easily digestible tasks and components you should be able to avoid AFOS. One final point about AFOS: it is always better to apportion your time on the entire process into many small to medium time periods rather than setting aside several ”mega” sessions. This way not only do you feel that you are making incremental progress, but also you will be able to revise your original ideas better.
Hunting and Gathering Stage. Before writing your first outline, make sure that you have conducted a sufficient amount of research. I know “sufficient” is a nebulous term, but you need to be sure that you have canvassed a wide swath of opinion, facts and information. Don’t worry that after conducting your research your original ideas about the topic at hand change. In fact this is a sign of intellectual growth and maturity. At this stage, you are ready to begin pondering the writing stages of the assignment.
The Writing Stages
AFOS Revisited. AFOS is particularly dangerous at this stage. Don’t succumb to its degenerative lure!. Like in the prewriting stages, break down the component aspects of the assignment into: introduction; thesis; body of the paper; conclusion, etc. Remember this is a conceptual device that makes the process more manageable–but do not forget that all aspects of the entire final draft be fully linked in a logically consistent manner.
The Outline. At this stage construct an outline. Where are you are going in this paper, why are you taking this approach, what materials are you using, how are they linked, are some of the questions that you must address in an outline. An outline is a perennially changing document of intent. You will probably make numerous revised editions of the outline–which is entirely appropriate. An outline serves as an in-progress road map for the writer. It does not have to make sense to anyone but you–remember that the outline is your own document. Moreover, the outline is a tool that guides the evolution of the writing craft. Keep your latest outline close by, whenever you feel that you have reached the writing stages.
The Introduction. Most students slight this aspect. They shouldn’t, as an introduction lays out the where, why, and how questions that you will be addressing throughout the paper. An introduction should be far more than just a regurgitation of the main questions that you have been assigned. In essence, a fully developed introduction acts as a formalized conceptual road map for the reader, much as the outline serves as your own conceptual road map. Personally, I write my introductions last. That way, I know the flow and development of the final product. Be sure to link the introduction, with your thesis, and the conclusions. This is conducted in what I call the polishing stages (see below).
The Thesis Statement. Let’s define what a thesis is. A thesis is a theoretically consistent set of linked propositions that underpin the entire body of your paper. In short, the thesis is the conceptual locomotive of the paper. The thesis statement shapes and molds everything that is to follow. Note that it should appear no later than page 2 of your paper.
The Body of the Paper. This is where you make sure that you address all aspects of the research assignment. This is typically, the least problematic area in the writing division of labor. But be careful to fully develop all relevant facts and interpretations here.
Conclusions. Your conclusions should not come as a surprise to the reader. The conclusions are the final opportunity to forcefully press home your conceptual and theoretical points that you have prior introduced and developed. Don’t be timid here–at the same time don’t go overboard. Think of your conclusions as a final summation of the entire assignment. Make sure that you have fully addressed the questions you set you would in the introduction and in the thesis. Finally, make sure that the introduction, thesis, body, and conclusions all dovetail one another–the paper at this point should no longer appear as a project of loosely connected parts–it should be an entirely seamless product.
The Polishing Stage. After you are convinced that have finished the above, take a day off. That’s right, take a day off. Then pick up the then final draft and begin to address the grammar and presentation issues of your work with a fine tooth comb (obviously you have not ignored these aspects up to now, but its now time to polish and shine the final product). Make sure that what you have constructed is forceful, clear, and concise. Don’t use jargon, or “big” words that you don’t normally use. Make sure that there are no spelling errors, no instances of poor grammar, etc. I believe that there is no separation between what are deemed issues of “style” as opposed to “substance.” Step aside from your paper for a while (at least half a day) for hopefully the final time (at least for this assignment). Now read your paper aloud, or better yet, get someone to read it aloud for you, while you are present. Any final problems? No? Then hand in your completed paper.”