In what ways is writing important to your profession?
Writing is a central element in the political science discipline. Effective communication is one of the most important skills for the political science student to acquire. Upon graduation, political science students may choose to attend law school or graduate school, where sound writing is expected. Those who choose to enter the world of work often seek out public service or managerial-level positions; such positions often demand quality writing.
Which courses are designated as satisfying the Writing in the Discipline (WID) requirement by your department? Why these courses?
POL 308: Current Political Controversy satisfies the WID requirement. This course was created specifically to introduce political science majors to the various types of writing they might engage within their other political science courses, as well as in the post-graduate world of graduate school, law school and/or work. We see writing as a developmental process. Students learn to critically read, think and write in a coherent manner over time when given space to practice and to receive feedback. The department also recognizes the linkage between effective reading and effective writing; therefore, students read a variety of materials for the course and are required to use those readings to develop their writing assignments. Students are required to find and use the following secondary and primary sources: articles in academic and political opinion journals, academic and popular press literature, newspaper editorials, Supreme Court opinions, opinion surveys, and government executive and legislative documents.
What forms or genres of writing will students learn and practice in your department’s WID courses? Why these genres?
Students will learn about and practice a variety of genres that are essential for a political science student to know. These genres may include, but are not limited to, op-ed articles, blog posts, book reviews, annotated bibliographies, literature reviews, research designs, research papers, data analysis reports and policy memoranda. Some of these genres (ex., op-ed articles, blog posts and policy memoranda) are meant to help students practice their analytical skills. Others, (ex., book review, annotated bibliographies and literature reviews) are designed to help the student practice particular skills like reviewing and summarizing information. Research designs, research papers, data analysis reports and policy memos allow students to practice “real world” political science applications.
What kinds of teaching practices will students encounter in your department’s WID courses?
Faculty teaching POL 308 run the course as a seminar. They expect student-led discussion and active engagement. Students are required to present their written work in class, provide feedback to one another and work in groups. They are given the opportunity to turn in second drafts of most of their writing assignments and should expect to receive faculty feedback on each draft. This feedback generally focuses on understanding of the topic (academic context), the paper’s organization, use of evidence, clear and correct grammar, proper citation and spelling, use of punctuation and other writing “mechanics.”
When they’ve completed your department’s WID requirement, what should students know and be able to do with writing?
The expected outcome is that students will understand the different purposes of writing in the discipline and employ the conventions of writing in their major fields. Students will produce writing that is well organized, supported by evidence, demonstrates correct usage of grammar and terminology and is appropriate within an academic context. Additionally, students will understand when and how to employ different manuscript formats, how to properly cite sources as well as how to use the American Political Science Association’s (APSA) reference style.
