democratization of the Islamic World

To assist you with your major paper, consider handing in a research proposal for me to look over.

Your proposal should include:
a) A clear indication of the central question to which you will be responding
b) The “lens” through which you will examine the central question
c) a preliminary thesis statement which develops a clear argument
d) an outline showing the component elements of your essay
e) a brief description of the way in which you plan to research the subject

Your proposal SHOULD also include a preliminary bibliography giving some indication of the direction of your research.

 

APPENDIX II (2) The Research Paper

A. Research Essay
It is expected that students will consult the relevant scholarly literature (beginning with, but not limited to, the course readings), and cite sources according to an acceptable format. (Journalistic sources are also allowed, but should only supplement academic sources and not form the basis of your research). Note that Ryerson Library may not have all the sources you require. The Metro Toronto Reference Library on Yonge just north of Bloor may be helpful in this regard. Useful academic journals you might want to consult have been listed in your course outlines.

Your essay will be evaluated on the basis of its format and on the content of your argument. The format consists of:
a) a clear, coherent and systematic presentation
b) correct spelling and grammar, and a competent writing style which enables you to express your views and ideas clearly
c) proper footnoting (or endnoting) and bibliography

It is expected that your paper will be logically structured and organized along the following lines:

Introduction – The introduction will contain your thesis-statement. This is a vital element which essentially tells your audience what the paper will show or prove. The rest of the paper should be dedicated to revealing the veracity or truthfulness of this statement.

Body – The body of your paper will contain the evidence and argument which will support your thesis-statement. It should proceed first with the theoretical and/or historical context within which your argument is set. It should then develop that argument either by working from your weakest to strongest pieces of evidence, or in some other well organized, logical and coherent presentation of facts and evidence. It is in this section that you demonstrate a mastery of the material, and reveal and refute any counter-arguments to your own position. While developing this section of your paper, keep asking yourself “how does this relate to and support my thesis-statement?”

Conclusion – Your conclusion should simply summarize your main pieces of evidence (very briefly), and restate your thesis in a manner that suggests that your argument has successfully shown the veracity of your thesis. This is not the place to introduce new ideas or concepts; nor is it the place to make grandiose statements about life, the universe, and everything in it. Keep it simple, straightforward, and focused.

The content of your paper should fulfil four criteria:

a) adequately and fully address the essay question
b) demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the topic
c) explain the issue
d) analyze the issue by locating it in the proper context (theoretical, historical, regional, national, etc.), and discuss the relevant implications, effects or significance of the problem or issue that you are examining
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious academic offence, which results in automatic failure of your essay. The following cases are considered to be plagiarized:

a) using a term paper from another course
b) handing in a paper written by someone else
c) using someone else’s original work without providing proper references to that person’s work
d) taking information verbatim (either word-for-word, or with only slight alterations) from a source and not providing references to that source

The most common form of plagiarism involves appropriating another person’s ideas and words without giving them credit. Remember, even if you put their ideas into your own words, you still must give them credit. Whether you quote a passage directly in quotation marks, paraphrase it closely in your own words, or just summarize it, you must identify the source. You are safer to over-reference than to skimp. Admittedly, some ideas are “common knowledge” in the field that is taken for granted by people knowledgable about the topic. For instance, you obviously do not need to footnote the fact that Jean Chrétien is Prime Minister. But if you are not clear as to what constitutes plagiarism, consult your instructor. When in doubt, reference the source.

You need a consistent and clear system for providing references. Simply attaching a bibliography to your paper, while required, is not sufficient in itself. Different disciplines follow different styles. Get yourself a style guide (e.g. Margot Northey, Making Sense: A Student’s Guide to Writing and Style, Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1983), and stick to one format. The APA format is perfectly acceptable.

To ensure success in this exercise, be sure to carefully proofread your paper before you hand it in to eliminate all spelling, grammatical and typographical errors. (Better yet, have someone proofread it for you). Following these simple guidelines will help you to produce a thoughtful well-written, coherent and well argued piece of work.
Students may find it useful to consult some of the following journals for their essays depending on the topic of their choice

Africa Report
African Affairs
Asia Quarterly
Asia Report
Bulletin of Concerned Africa Scholars
Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars
Canadian Journal of African Studies
Canadian Journal of Development Studies
Development Echo (Women and Development)
Economic Development and Cultural Change
Feminist Review
Food Policy
Institute of Development Studies Bulletin
Journal of Asia Studies
Journal of Contemporary Asia
Journal of Development Studies
Journal of Modern African Studies
Latin American Perspectives
Match International (Women)
Middle Eastern Reports
Middle Eastern Review
Multinational Monitor
Report on the Americas
Review of African Political Economy
Signs (women)
Social and Economic Studies (Caribbean and Latin America)
Studies in Comparative International Development
Third World Quarterly
In addition, students are encouraged to consult the Encyclopedia of the Third World, The World Bank’s World Development Report and the UN’s Human Development Report published by the UNDP every year since 1990.

 

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