Specific instructions
Sources: Ensure that you linking to key readings and concepts covered in this unit (Links are down) ,as well as key ideas in international relations. Draw on material from a variety of sources but ensure that a good proportion (at least half) of your sources are scholarly. Include appropriate in-text referencing and a reference list. Also, you should use intext references.
Critical Evaluation: Your essay will be assessed on your ability to critically evaluate. That is, develop an argument throughout your paper that is persuasive and explores the strengths/weaknesses, usefulness, validity and alternative explanations for the IR phenomenon. Essays that are purely descriptive will be marked down.
Structure: We want to see you build an argument. Do the following.
Introduction:
· Introduce the topic.
· Indicate why the topic is significant.
· Perhaps flag some of the complexities in the topic.
· Introduce the question.
· Present your thesis.
· Outline your points.
Body:
· Have a clear structure. You should be able to make a tree-diagram of your essay.
· Stick to one point per paragraph.
· Introduce the point of the paragraph in the first (topic) sentence.
· Avoid repetition from one paragraph to the next.
· Ensure you address a counter argument towards the end of your essay.
· Ultimately, ensure there is a logical relationship between the question, your thesis, and each of your points.
Conclusion
· Remind us of the question/problem
· Summarise your points
· Restate your thesis.
Links to readings you may use ( at least 1 or 2 should be used) :
– Park Susan. (2017) ‘International Organisations in World Politics’. In: Baylis J, Smith S and Owens P (eds) The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations. Seventh edition ed. Oxford, United Kingdom ; New York: Oxford University Press, 316-331. ( file uploaded down ).
– Recchia, S. (2016), “Why seek international organisation approval under unipolarity? Averting issue linkage vs. appeasing Congress,” International Relations 30 (1): 78-101.
– Can the Chinese Be Trusted to Lead Global Institutions
– Wong, W., 2012, “ Amnesty International: The NGO that Made Human Rights Important,” in Internal Affairs: how the Structure of NGOs Transforms Human Rights, Cornell, Cornell University Press: 84-114.
–Stierl, M., 2016, “A sea of struggle – activist border interventions in the Mediterranean Sea,” Citizenship Studies 20 (5): 561–578.
– Dolsak, N. and Prakash, A. (2023). ‘Why Blowing Up Pipelines Will Not Solve The Climate Crisis Links to an external site.’, Forbes Magazine.
Rubric :
1. Relevance: Contextualisation of issue and links to course learnings ( A clear, succinct and accessible overview of issue and analytical claims. Related to the core course themes in a creative and innovative fashion.)
2. Research: Quality, appropriateness and depth of research ( Independently seeks out and locates required information. Is selective and discriminates between sources of information.)
3. Analysis: Critical thinking skills, argumentation ( Analysis is sophisticated and nuanced. The analysis evaluates competing ideas from a number of standpoints. Makes and supports persuasive argument(s)
4. Presentation: Essay presentation and expression ( All expected attributes present but have been Creatively interpreted to suit personal style and the specific execution of the task. A unique but appropriate presentation of work. )
5. Convention: Adherence to academic conventions ( Use of academic conventions such as referencing and citation is accurate, consistent and appropriate for the discipline.)