For the most part, writing papers for political science classes is much like writing papers for English classes.  Here are some additional guidelines:

1.  Papers should be well referenced and clearly and coherently structured.

2.  Papers must further show evidence of independent research and critical thinking in the way of analyzing the texts.

3.  Students should stick to simple sentences, lest the meaning intended get confused.

4.  Avoid long quotations, unless the entire quotation is central to their arguments.

5.  Avoid splitting infinitives.

6.  Avoid the passive voice as much as possible.

7.  Pay attention to the use of 'its' and 'it's'.

Acknowledgments:

Nelly Lahoud

Contact Nelly Lahoud c/o:

Goucher College

Van Meter Hall – Departments of Political Science

1021 Dulaney Valley Road

Baltimore, MD 21204