Assessment Form for the M Sc Thesis in Political Science [version 2018]
Student Jasper Mansier
Student number s4467612
Title of the thesis Conquering the War on Drugs. Success and failure of transnational advocacy coalitions in Canada Assessed by
Supervisor Second assessor
Thomas R. Eimer (Supervisor) Angela Wigger (Second Assessor)
Date July 8, 2019
Mark (rounded to halves) 7.0
Criteria - = insufficient
+ = sufficient ++ = very good +++ = exceptional
Comments supervisor and second assessor
Theory/ design
The student has designed a research project centring on a clearly defined scientific problem in political theory and/or empirical political science. For this, the student needs to (1) convincingly demonstrate the existence of an inconsistency, deficiency or ontological problem (within a theory, between theories, between theory and empirical reality) asking for a solution; and (2) convincingly argue why a solution is needed.
+ / ++ TRE
The authors develops a quite innovative empirical research question. It might have been contextualized within the broader debate on “moral politics”.
AW
Generally reads well, but contains too many titles that interrupt the flow and which make the thesis a bit pre-university education style.
The thesis
a. specifies the scientific and
b. societal relevance of the research question, and
+ / + + TRE
The societal relevance is well explained, and the author
convincingly shows that his case has the potential to contribute to the wider literature on social movements and transnational advocacy coalitions.
c. justifies the choice of the (theoretical) approach, applied method(s), sources and/or data.
AW
The puzzle is clear and interesting, and the introduction contains all the necessary ingredients.
Application/
research
The thesis adequately represents and discusses the investigated theory or theories. It locates the theory in the evolution of (a) research programme(s) or scientific debate(s), engages with the state-of-the-art of academic contributions to the chosen theme, and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of earlier attempts to resolve the research problem.
+ TRE
The author develops an adequate, yet rather unsophisticated framework to answer his research question.
AW
Also here, the title usage is not very professional.
The literature discussion could have entailed a bit more of a metaperspective rather than single studies, discussing different branches of literature at once, including their coverage and theoretical or methodological approach.
The social movement theory is overall sufficiently well introduced but remains a bit at the descriptive level, not reaching the
full theoretical depth.
The thesis:
a. builds a logically and scientifically valid case for an original, clear and precise answer to the research question b. and does so through consistent application of the chosen method(s) or approach
+ / + + a)
TRE
The research design is plausibly developed. Unfortunately, the inherent logic of the chosen approach is only briefly addressed. Most notably, the operationalization appears quite technical. AW
Reducing politics a la Easton to processes that lead to binding decisions for all in a country is contestable and contradictory to social movement literatures.
The hypotheses are acceptable but not very sophisticated. The operationalisation is extensive but resembles more a further conceptualisation rather than an operationalisation through which it
becomes clear how the concepts will be recognised in empirical reality.
b) TRE
The empirical analysis builds on solid research, but remains a little bit superficial.
AW
The analysis is truly theoretically informed, following all the
concepts as laid out. The empirical analysis, despite the two cases remains however a bit thin.
Reflection The thesis identifies the research’s major findings, the strengths and limits of the chosen theory or method, and the scientific and societal implications, indicating new avenues for future research
+
TRE / AW
The conclusions do not go beyond the summary of the findings.
General/ process
The length of the thesis is appropriate (15.000 – max. 25.000 words, excluding bibliography); standard academic and style criteria are met (title page, contents, notes, quotations, references to literature and bibliography are in accordance with academic standards.
+ +
The thesis is written in eloquent and correct English, and is clearly structured.
+ +
The research and writing were conducted in a sufficiently independent
+ / + + The author needed some help to develop his theoretical framework. On the other hand, he showed a very independent
way. work attitude with regards to the empirical research. The student has adequately
communicated with the supervisor on progress and obstacles, has met in-between deadlines, and has responded professionally to the supervisor's critique and suggestions.
+ + + It was a pleasure to work together with the author of this thesis.
(Reserved for remarks on merits of the thesis not covered by standard criteria)
Please send this form, the Turnitin report, an electronic copy of the thesis, the submission form for the Radboud Respository signed by the student, and the laudatio (350 words max) to Amanda van Eck-Boerboom at the department administration. No hard copy of the thesis is required unless you want one for yourself.
Please notify Ingrid Smitjes, at student administration, of the results via email; remember to mention the student’s name and student number, title of the thesis, date of assessment and course code: MAN-MTHPOL and specialization.
Place and Date: Nijmegen, July 8, 2019 Signature supervisor:
