POLS 297 Independent Study

This course entails production of a 25-page research essay addressing a major question pertaining to campaigns in American politics.  Each student will work with a faculty member to craft a high-quality research paper that enters the academic debate on their selected topic, incorporates extensive secondary data and existing research, and presents original analysis based on the student's campaign fieldwork.  Students will be required to submit their topic and primary question prior to starting their fieldwork, and will work under faculty supervision to gather qualitative and quantitative data in the field.  Students will then spend the last month and a half of the semester compiling their primary data, extending their literature review, and writing and editing this research paper.  Enrollment limited to students participating in the Campaign Semester Program.