How to design a term paper

Joachim Schild
Module: Global Governance
University of Trier

24 July 2015

Plan of a paper
Introduction

1.

What is exactly my topic?

What is my research question?
Explain the plan of your paper

Theoretical Framework

2.

Explain core concepts used in the paper (e.g. preferential trade agreement, most
favorite nation principle, systemic risk etc.)
Think about a theoretical approach (IR, IPE, Policy analysis) to your topic relevant for
your research question
Try to develop theoretical hypotheses that might bei investigated empirically

Main empirical part

3.

Read the relevant literature (beyond the compulsory reading)

Develop a coherent string of arguments and underpin them with empirical

observations/data
Use your research question as a thread guiding you through your empirics
Link your theoretical framework tightly to your empirical investigation

Conclusion

4.

Give a concise answer to your research question

Appendix: Bibliograhpy; List of abbreviations, List of bibliographical databases used

Important deadlines
1st August:
paper outline (research question, main headings) to be sent by email
inscription for term paper (Prfungsanmeldung)
15 September 2015: last opportunity to cancel inscription for term paper
30 September 2015: delivery of term paper (PDF-version and printed

version)
Office hours
Mo, 27.7. 10-12h
Do, 6.8. 14-16 h
Di, 1.9. 14-16 h