You are required to write a 5000 word research essay that addresses one of the following questions:
- ‘The next major war will occur over the Taiwan Strait’. Discuss, considering the consequences for international stability.
- ‘Although international attention is focused elsewhere, the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula remains real’. Discuss.
- ‘Multilateral security institutions do not contribute significantly to the maintenance of international peace and stability’. Discuss, using at least one case study.
- ‘The 2023 Defence Strategic Review rightly envisages that Australia will play a significant role in securing the Indo-Pacific’. Discuss, considering Australia’s status as a middle power.
- ‘Non-traditional security challenges pose the most significant threat to human security, not great power politics’. Discuss, evaluating different non-traditional security challenges.
- ‘The risk of great power war is a distraction. Australia should focus on cyber, space, and grey zone security challenges’. Discuss.
What is the purpose of the research essay?
The purpose of the essay is for you to undertake in-depth research on a topic relating to the material covered in this course. By completing the essay, you should develop sound research and analytical skills that will prepare you for the remainder of your studies.
Please check the essay marking sheet so you can see how this essay will be assessed and judge for yourself whether you have met the marking criteria before you submit your essay.
How do you write a research essay?
Your research essay should directly address one of the questions set out above. Your essay must have a clear argument and must present evidence to support that argument. Your essay should also acknowledge possible counter-arguments and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
A good essay must be clearly structured. It must have an introduction setting out the topic to be addressed, the way it will be addressed (that is, the approach you have used and the way the essay is structured), and the argument (as appropriate) that you will present. You may wish to use subheadings in the essay to provide signposts to guide the reader through the essay. Each paragraph should discuss and develop a single idea or point that links to the essay’s overall argument. The material you use should be relevant to your answer and you should demonstrate its relevance to the question you are answering or the topic you are addressing.
How much research do you need to do?
While you could probably write a pass or credit level essay with just 10 sources, a very good essay would typically use 20-25 good quality sources.
Remember that you will need to include a bibliography with your essay. The bibliography is not included in the word count of the essay. Please check the course guide for information about how to format your bibliography.