Theory in real life essay

Due by 11:59 PM on Thursday, November 7, 2024

You will select one specific concept, theoretical framework, mechanism, or hypothesis from the class readings and discussions (e.g quality of government and economic development, gender representation and level of corruption, how to measure the quality of government, the relationship between civil society and political regimes, etc.) and select 2–3 readings related to the topic from the course readings.

You will summarize and synthesize the main arguments of the selected readings and then select one specific real world event or case that may or may not fit with the concept, theoretical framework, mechanism, or hypothesis that you chose. You’ll conclude with a discussion of how the theories and concepts you chose help or fail to help explain the issue you selected and provide a new perspective, shed light on a neglected issue, or provide potential solutions.

Your essay should be a minimum of 1,250 words. Broadly speaking, your essay should include:

You will submit this essay via iCollege.

I will grade this essay using this rubric. I highly recommend that you refer to the rubric when writing the essay!

Super short example of the general idea

(but don’t use this exact example!)

References

Doshi, Rush, Judith G. Kelley, and Beth A. Simmons. 2019. “The Power of Ranking: The Ease of Doing Business Indicator and Global Regulatory Behavior.” International Organization 73 (3): 611–43. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818319000158.
Holmberg, Sören, Bo Rothstein, and Naghmeh Nasiritousi. 2009. “Quality of Government: What You Get.” Annual Review of Political Science 12 (1): 135–61. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-polisci-100608-104510.
Rothstein, Bo, and Jan Teorell. 2008. “What Is Quality of Government? A Theory of Impartial Government Institutions.” Governance 21 (2): 165–90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0491.2008.00391.x.
Themudo, Nuno S. 2013. “Reassessing the Impact of Civil Society: Nonprofit Sector, Press Freedom, and Corruption.” Governance 26 (1): 63–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0491.2012.01602.x.