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Getting Started: The Four
Traditional Topics*
Before you attempt to engage in a writing project it is often useful to
think through your topic.The following list is intended to help you think about a topic from different angles so that you can
write more intelligently; this type of aid is often called a heuristic because it encourages creative
thought and critical thinking.
Definition
Though you may think definitions are easy to write, many terms and
concepts in political science defy simple definition. Try to define terms
such as "freedom," "democracy," and "revolution." How clearly defined is
your topic? Remember that sound discussions and arguments begin with
clear definitions--the writer and the audience must establish a consensus
on what terms mean before further debate can take place. Avoid at all
costs the amateur technique of using "Webster's
defines 'liberal' as . . ."
Context
Topics never float around in space--they all must have a context. The
equal rights movement, Winston Churchill's role as prime minister, and
the Great Depression all have historical, legal, and institutional
contexts. When you investigate a topic it is useful to look at three
historical perspectives:
- What happened before
-
What happened during
-
What happened after (if applicable)
Only when you can frame a topic in history will you be able to clearly
define it in context.
Description
Think of description as the backbone of any writing project. How did Kennedy
handle foreign policy? Why were female astronauts overlooked for the
first manned space flight? Really, description is a form of summarization
in which you take a body of information and streamline it into a concise
and coherent account. Learning this skill is a must for anyone who wants to
write well.
Evaluation
This is the most challenging perspective to think through, but it often
brings the greatest reward. Consider a detailed comparison of healthcare
in the U.S. and Canada. It would be relatively easy
to list "the facts" about each system, but what value would that have for
writer or reader? Evaluation involves establishing criteria for
comparison and then applying critical thinking skills to
a topic. Compare, contrast, draw conclusions, and provide your readers
with insight.
*Adapted from Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison.
The Political
Science Student Writer's Manual. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall,
1995.
For more on the rhetorical topics, go to
a discussion of
the topoi at Georgia Tech.
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