The Political Science Student Writer's Manual

by Gregory M. Scott, Stephen M. Garrison

For courses in Political Science, Research Methods, Policy Research Methods, American Government, and Comparative Government. This comprehensive, practical writer's manual–created specifically for political science students–is designed to help students accomplish two 1) improve their writing skills and strategies and 2) learn political science at the same time. It frees instructors from having to teach students how to write the papers most often assigned in political science classes. The manual considers the different types of papers common to political science classes at all levels–exploring the purposes and characteristics of each paper, the steps for writing a successful paper, and typical formats.

Genres: Nonfiction

183 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Wendy]

After years and years of working with APA, I was forced to switch to APSA, so I bought this book, apparently the preferred APSA reference. It talks about style as a general, intangible thing very well (the chapter on writing book reviews is very handy)but the citation style guidelines and examples are pretty sparse and do not adequately address several types of citable sources, like motion pictures. Still, it's what I have to work with, and I'd rather have it than not.

[Alexandra Chauran]

I've had to read this book for two classes now and I'm reading it a third time for another class. Not only is it a great reference book, but the beginning five chapters are actually a really good conceptual read for writers of all stripes.

[Kathleen]

The kinds of assignments that Scott is preparing students to write I have not seen used since I was in college 15 years ago. This ultimately isn't that useful to me.