IR PAPER
Contemporary IR Problem Analysis Assignment sheet
Assignment description:
In our class, we have discussed several global issues facing contemporary international politics. We analyzed these challenges from multiple theoretical angles. In this paper, you will pick a pressing issue of international/global importance that greatly influences inter-state relations. This issue has to be something that is getting a lot of media attention and/or something that is under political/legal negotiation. This issue or challenge has to impact at least two states (or more). Some examples include: international piracy, radical Islamic terrorism (or terrorist groups), cyber warfare between the US and Russia, international climate change negotiation, etc.
Once you have picked a topic, you will need to pick a theoretical framework (ex. Realist framework, Constructivist or Marxist framework) with which to analyze and critique this topic. Mainly, you will have to identify the factor(s) contributing to the persistence of this issue by utilizing the theoretical framework. Why does this problem exist and why has not it been solved? You need to formulate a thesis statement that presents your stance and your ideas on a resolution of this problem.
This assignment should be 4-5 pages long (double-spaced) and must include a minimum of 8 sources (4 sources should come from weekly readings). The paper will be submitted through Turnitin. See the rubric below for more guidelines.
Total points: 100
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Category |
Point allotted |
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Introduction: The paper begins with an interesting and relevant title. Then the introduction presents the international problem/event and discusses what is significant about it. The student makes it clear as to why it is important to discuss this problem and the IR theory that will be utilized in the paper. The student explains the implications of the international problem/event to the wider world. |
10 |
|
Thesis: easy to find toward the end of the introduction. The thesis is clear about the student’s views on the topic. The thesis statement presents what the student thinks about the underlying causes of the problem and a possible solution. |
5 |
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Summary: gives adequate background information on the current event/problem in a fair and neutral manner. There is no opinion of the student. The summary gives sufficient information so that an uninformed audience knows what happened in the past. |
10 |
|
Body paragraphs: the body paragraphs develop the writer’s arguments and defend the thesis statement. Ideas in the body paragraph do not contradict the thesis statement. The paragraphs flow nicely. The writer uses adequate and credible evidence to support his/her arguments. The student efficiently utilizes the theoretical framework to analyze and/or critique the topic and identifies the contributing factors. The writer properly uses in-text citations when using another author’s/source’s ideas. Overall, the body paragraphs and the entire paper, defend the thesis statement by bringing credible evidence and presenting compelling arguments. |
45 |
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Conclusion: The paper does not end abruptly. The conclusion paragraph is easy to find and nicely wraps up the writer’s thoughts. The writer reinforces the significance of the international problem/event and leaves a memorable impression. |
10 |
|
Grammar, clarity of language, and spelling: the submission demonstrates an effective editing/proofreading process. The submission is devoid of spelling and/or grammatical mistakes. |
10 |
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Sources and citations: lists a minimum of 8 sources, 4 of which come from the course textbooks or scholarly journals. The remaining sources are from reputable outlets. All sources and the entire paper either in MLA or APA format. |
10 |
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Total |
100 |