American electorate politically polarized—if so, along what lines? How polarized is it?

Optional Research Paper In addition, you have the opportunity to write an out-of-class, analytical research paper (5-7 pages/1,200-2,000 words in length). 

One possibility is a paper in which you addresses the following questions: Is the American electorate politically polarized—if so, along what lines? How polarized is it? 

I will be making available additional source material on which you may draw if you choose to write a paper that addresses these questions. 

You may also write an analytical research paper on another topic, as long as the topic is directly relevant to the subject matter of the course. If you write on another topic, you must discuss the topic with me. If you are writing an optional paper—regardless of whether it addresses the questions posed above or another topic, you must turn in a paragraph discussing the direction of your paper no later than Wednesday, November 8 before the start of class—no exceptions.