Pols285-political science

Assignment Content

Written Response 2

This assignment is due Friday November 3 by 11:59pm. Remember you have a 2 grace period – we don’t apply a late penalty if you submit within 2 days of this deadline. However, late submissions do not receive detailed feedback. After that it is 5% per day penalty until a total of 6 days late. If you need an extension or any accommodation beyond this, please be in touch with me, Prof. Glas, before the deadline.

Prompt: We have now explored the major theories in IR. These include the traditional theories of realism and liberalism, the social theories of constructivism and feminism, and the critical theories of Marxism and postcolonialism. You have one ‘big’ question for this assignment: Which of these six theories do you find the most useful analytical lens for explaining global politics, and why? In answering this question be sure to summarize the theory you find most useful and show us why it is so useful to you by reference to at least three (3) examples drawn from the readings. NOTE: avoid major repetition from your first assignment. We need to see new writing and analysis to reward your hard work, even if you make a similar argument.

Reminders and Recommendations:

Your Written Response should be 3-5 paragraphs, and must not be more than 800 words.

Be clear and concise and proof-read your writing. Avoid repetition.

It is not recommended that you rely on long quotations. Instead, synthesize material in your own words.

Be sure to cite your claims properly, including using page numbers. If you are unsure how to cite, see: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citatio… for a handy guide.

No bibliography is required. Failure to cite will result in a zero on this assignment. Problems with citation will drastically reduce your score.

Be sure to address all questions or elements of the prompt.

Impress your Instructor by demonstrating your knowledge of the reading material, including both required and recommended (rather than lecture material), and your ability to offer an informed viewpoint that is supported by cited evidence.

No additional research is required beyond the required and recommended readings.

For details regarding citations, expectations, and grading of your Written Response, as well as how to interpret your score, see the Syllabus.

Hints and Specific Suggestions:

Important note: You should avoid repetition with Assignment 1 as best you can. We cannot reward you for simply repeating the summary or argument you made in the last assignment. However, you may use the realist or liberal tradition as you discussed in Response 1. Be sure to expand, refine, or deepen your discussion if so (e.g. adding plenty of detail to show why one is better than the social or critical theories we have examined). You should not use the China-USA case as an example in this response. If you think the realist or liberal tradition is most useful, draw on other cases to illustrate why.

The best responses to this prompt will do three things: (i) clearly summarize a theoretical lens with useful detail, showing off your knowledge of the relevant readings; (ii) show at least three examples of why it is so useful to explain global politics; and (iii) show why other theories are less useful.

It is recommended that you write four short body paragraphs: one stating and summarizing the theory you find most useful; three showcasing why it is useful by analyzing your three cases, and; one showing why other theories are less useful.

This response can and should draw on any of required and recommended readings you see fit from Modules 3-6, and another course reading you think would be useful.

Please also take into consideration the feedback from Assignment 1. In particular, (1) cite and reference properly, (2) proof read your work, and (3) add plenty of evidence and detail from your readings to impress us so we can reward your hard work!

Need some help? Have any questions?

We’re here to help you and all students to improve on this assignment from their first (no matter who well you did!). So please join the Q&As, email us to schedule a time to speak, or email us your questions!

Final Reminders:

Please write your response in the space below

Citations are required

No bibliography is required.

You can submit up to 2 days late without penalty.