Political science
WRITING ASSIGNMENT: Bring a printed stapled copy of your paper to class
Longform Essay Draft—Due 3/11 –Draft (reviewed at Writing Center)*encouraged
Bring both the draft w/ comments from class and the final stapled together, to class.
1 Title Page (Title, Your Name, Your email, Date)
4-6 pages of content (plus notes/citations)
Double-Spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font (including page numbers)
This essay will be the application of International Relations theory to a current international conflict. You can choose to use a topic introduced in class but should also feel free to discuss any other conflict you find of interest. I choose (ISIS)
Your essay should not “summarize” the articles and theories you have read. It should be a considered response and analysis of how to make sense of the conflict you have chosen (ISIS). The perspectives should inform your essay and should apply the theories we have covered to the conflict you have chosen.
The body of your essay should cover the following two questions: What theory best explains the state of affairs in the conflict you have chosen? Is there an alternative theory you feel would do a better job of addressing conflict you have chosen? Fully answering these questions will require taking a position—stating a thesis—and defending it. A good way to think about your thesis is to use the following template:
“In this paper I will show that __<insert theory name>___ does a better job of addressing __<insert conflict name>___ than ___<insert second theory name> does.”
In your paper you need to have an introduction that clearly identifies the conflict (ISIS) being addressed and the thesis central to the argument (or response) that you are making. This should be followed by an argument with points that are supported by evidence and examples. Ultimately this should lead to your conclusion, a good conclusion will summarize what the paper has done and highlight its strengths and weaknesses.