The research paper is to be focused on a topic relevant to the study of diversity as it relates to governance. Potential topics include comparative studies of multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multilingual, or multi-religious states, policy analysis of how particular collective communities govern, case studies on methods of political inclusion of minority communities.
The paper is to be 18 – 20 pages of text. The paper should have a cover page, and a works cited section, although they are not included in the page count.  Students may not use any paper submitted in another class. The paper is not to be a compilation of facts, but rather should make a clear argument concerning a political issue. The argument should be presented within a specific theoretical and methodological framework. The argument should be supported by evidence obtained through scholarly research, observations, research, or documented experimentation.