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The Topical File series, approximately 4.5 linear feet, is arranged alphabetically by topic and evidences all facets of Singer's work from the 1940s through the present. Researchers interested in Singer's early association with the Journal of Conflict Resolution and the Center for Conflict Resolution should consult files under those folder headings as well as "Correspondence, general" for the relevant years. Those interested in more general trends in political science research and Singer's appraisals of those trends should consult "Evaluations of Proposals/Manuscripts, 1966-1999", "Research Proposals, 1961-1983", and of "Editorial Board Assignments, 1985-1993."

J. David Singer has spent over thirty years as a political science teacher at the University of Michigan and many portions of the collection pertain to that role. Singer took a keen interest in graduate education in political science generally and the world politics field specifically and folders under "Political Science Department" evidence the evolution of political science education from 1960. For those interested in Singer's views on the impact of budget cuts at the University of Michigan in the early 1980s and on the new priorities in political science research during the Reagan administration, the researcher would do well to consult the general correspondence files for those years.

The folders "Political endorsements and petitions signed" relate most directly to Singer's role as a peace activist. These folders contain letters written on behalf of anti-war causes from the 1960s to the present. Singer's early involvement in the peace movement can be gleaned from the folders "United World Federalists, 1947-1950." It should be noted that Singer was a popular speaker at many academic and non-academic gatherings both in the United States and abroad. Topics ranged broadly from theoretical problems in peace research to contemporary foreign policy issues. Also of particular note are those file folders containing material on international peace associations and Singer's participation in these professional organizations. Hence, researchers interested in peace activism as well as those interested in peace research may want to consult the folders "Conferences and lectures, 1960-1989."

Finally, those interested in campus life in Ann Arbor (especially during the 1960s and 1970s) should consult "University of Michigan Administration." These folders contain correspondence between Singer and various university administrators regarding topics of special interest to Singer on the University of Michigan campus.