Integrative Essay
Integrative Essay
-Over time, Political science has integrated itself with many new areas of study and
discipline
-Behaviorism has major influence on political dynamics (note: behavioralism is the view
that the subject matter of political science should be limited to phenomena that are
independently observable and quantifiable)
-In the mid 1980’s of UP, core courses in political analysis, comparative politics,
international politics, statistics, and calculus were implemented in the curriculum of BA
POLITICAL SCIENCE.
-An issue the curriculum faced over the years was the addition of more core subjects
within the program. Desired competencies had a large role in this issue. Some desired
competencies are analytic competence and writing proficiency.
-It is desired that political science majors acquire a glossary of concepts and jargons
relating to political concepts.
-Over time, Political dynamics had new subjects of inquiry such as political sociology,
political change, political behavior, ideology, and special topics such as civil society,
local governance, gender, and society.
-The relevance of political dynamics was questioned over four decades within the
curriculum. However this was vital as it somewhat validated that new areas of
development sprouted as a result of this changing discipline; thus evolving political
science.
-The faculty and department of UP for Political Science made a more diverse curriculum
for their students as different sets of electives such as diplomacy and international
relations were proposed in order to diversify career/employment options. Tracking
strategies were also implemented to help students realize the importance of the
curriculum; though, this apparently raised the issue of the identity of political science as
a discipline.
-There is an issue that political science is usually not picked as an undergraduate
course as preparation for law school.
-Learning the discipline of political science is different from the application of the law
-Law school is difficult as it requires mental exercise in perception and memory which is
opposite from the critical analysis which was required from them as political science
majors.
-Some undergraduates must realize, their undergraduate major of political science may
help their law studies; though, it isn't a necessary preparation.
-The relationship between the discipline of political science and discipline of public
administration is ambiguous as they both have different definitions in their system
boundaries. Public administration was institutionally severed from political science.
-Political science as a discipline is neither a necessary, nor the optimal perspiration for
law studies (p.73)
-In order to promote political science as a social discipline, the department faculty have
to sustain a collegial effort to define a limited number of focal interests that will allow the
department to make a mark as a professional academic unit (p.79)
Collegial effort meaning members of the faculty are able to contribute as professionals
and as colleagues toward a collective vision of the department’s political science
specializations
-Discipline of law design a law preparatory track into the curriculum which implies in the
defining of the tracks within a single BA PolSci major
-International Politics
The issue is one of determining the desired “balance” between the different subfields or
curriculum areas
-Research
The development of institutional support like the role that ISDS has played in nurturing
research in international politics among faculty members in the department
Development of a coherent research program; it would reinforce the department’s vision
of the discipline as a field of study
Address the separation between the undergraduate research teaching emphasis on
quantitative research and the faculty research output that is largely qualitative
Review the instructions for the assignment, taking into consideration current topics
covered so far in the class. If the instructions for the assignment specify writing an
integrative paper only on a certain topic covered, stick to that one topic. If the integrative
paper is meant to cover all topics covered to this point, then the instructions will apply to
every lesson covered so far.
Create a list of personal opinions regarding the topics for the integrative paper. An
integrative paper is essentially an opinion of the material covered and how you feel
about it. Therefore, unlike other APA style papers, you will use the word "I" and other
personal pronouns in your integrative paper while expressing a personal opinion.
Go through your list of opinions and make notes for each one regarding potential areas
for personal bias. Although the integrative paper is written in first-person form and partly
expressing opinion, you should still try to avoid the expression of extreme personal
biases. While making notes on your list, add questions you have regarding the different
topics, any confusion you feel regarding the topics and anything personally interesting
that you wish to share.
Open a new word document and set the new page for proper APA style. APA style
requires 1-inch margins, a maximum size 12 font, a running header, page numbers, a
title page, in-text citations and an alphabetized reference list. The paragraphs should be
set to double spacing as well.
Type the title of your integrative paper on the first page of your word document. In APA
style, type your name on the next line followed by the class identification, teacher's
name and the date on subsequent lines. Center these lines on the title page, using the
Enter key to move the lines down to the center of the page and the center text option to
center the words in the middle of the document.
Hit Enter several times and start your integrative paper on page 2 of the document.
Remember that the page count for your integrative paper does not include the title page
or the references.
Start your integrative paper with the word "I." Use "I" frequently as you work through the
paper, expressing your current position and processing the lesson to this point.
Add in-text citations in parentheses after any paraphrasing or quotations taken from
other sources, such as textbooks, scholarly articles or websites. APA style in-text
citations are placed at the end of a sentence or quote in parentheses, usually containing
the author's last name and publication year, with the period ending the sentence after
the closed parenthesis. It is advisable to use at least several in-text citations throughout
the paper, even if you do not feel you need them, because this shows that you were
following along with the reading.
Hit the Enter key several times at the end of your integrative paper to place your
reference list at the start of a new page. The reference list should be in alphabetical
order, following APA style in which the first line starts at the margin with the following
lines indented a half inch and a space in between each reference.
1. Find the Topic. Start by finding the shared topic of the reading and listening
passages.
2. Find the Claim.
3. Find the Reasons.
4. Find the Connection Between the Reading and Listening.
5. Organize Your Essay!
6. Use Transition Words.
7. Paraphrase.
1. Read Up. Regular reading is a stepping stone to better writing and helps kids’
strengthen their writing skills.
2. Make it Fun!
3. Create Writing Worksheets.
4. Try Different Materials.
5. Write Letters.
6. Encourage Journalling.
7. Create a Writing Space.
8. Invest Time.