01 Jul PLCY 702-ANALYSIS: AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
ANALYSIS: AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The research paper assignments required for this course are brief analyses of the required readings for the given week in combination with one or more scholarly sources selected by the student. The individual analyses are designed to assess students’ understanding of the course materials and their ability to synthesize diverse scholarly findings or perspectives and formulate their own personal research contribution. This approach not only helps students develop essential research skills but also ensures they have a solid grasp of existing literature and common paradigms reflected in research on the American Founding and Constitution.
INSTRUCTIONS
Descriptions of the American political tradition often include references to exceptionalism. Originating in Tocqueville’s description of the singularity of American government and society (Democracy in America 1835), the concept of exceptionalism has been treated in scholarly works as an observable qualitative phenomenon and, in turn, a rhetorical myth employed for political purposes. Drawing from this week’s readings as well as 1-2 additional scholarly sources of your own selection, (1) identify and explain 3-4 significant aspects of the American founding that support the concept of exceptionalism, and (2) identify and briefly summarize contending treatments of exceptionalism. Be careful to distinguish between observable characteristics of American history and the rhetorical use of the term. Your writing must be detailed, objective and professional in tone, reflecting your own analysis of source content. The introduction must clearly identify the purpose of the analysis, and content must align with the research purpose.
• 3-5 scholarly sources are required
• Required page length is 5-7 double-spaced pages, with 1” margins, in Times New Roman font
• Page length does not include title and Reference pages
• Do not use subheadings or insert extra spacing between paragraphs
• Do not use first- or second-person perspective (e.g. personal pronouns I/we/you)
• Current Turabian Author-Date format must be used
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the SafeAssign plagiarism tool.
