International Relations theories are lenses that help us make sense of the world. Use an example to explain how neoliberalism, feminism, Marxism and postcolonialism would create solutions for global poverty. To answer this question, be sure to (i) define each theoretical perspective and (ii) explain how each theory would solve the issue.
Note that the 2000 word count is *not* inclusive of your bibliography and that it is fine to be 10% over or under the 2000 word count. In this essay, you draw on research to fully develop your argument and write it in an essay format, with an introduction, supporting paragraphs, a conclusion, and a complete bibliography. The essay is due by 11:59pm on 2 November. Any assignments submitted after that time will be subject to late penalties.
The recommended referencing style to use is Chicago or Harvard. The library provides detailed information on referencing styles, which you can find here.
Using the University of Sydney Library catalogue and databases, locate a minimum of six items that will be helpful for completing your potential essay. You will need to locate more than six items initially and then read through them to determine whether or not they are relevant, and then identify the items that you view as most important.
None of the six references can be items from the set readings. This includes other chapters of books from the set readings. You need to include a minimum of three different academic source types. You should seek out scholarly sources wherever possible, augmenting these with contemporary non-scholarly pieces of research if need be.
Acceptable academic sources you might include could be:
A chapter from an edited book (where there are one or more editors but chapters are written by different authors);
A chapter from a sole or multiple-authored book (not an edited book, but a book where there are one or more authors who have written all the chapters);
A recent academic journal article related to your topic from a peer-reviewed journal. For a list of peer-reviewed journals you may use Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory from the University of Sydney Library website.
Acceptable non-academic sources could be:
A recent government report or publication related to your topic;
An official website of an organisation or group relevant to your topic (such as the UN, WTO/IMF etc). Note, blogs and wikipedia are unacceptable;
A relevant, preferably recent, newspaper article.
The final essay assignment is designed so that you will demonstrate your grasp of the theories through the analysis of a particular issue. Analyse the issue to support your argument, but remember the task is not to describe but to provide a theoretical interpretation of the real world example.
Here are some specific tips for writing your essay:
utilise key concepts to highlight how exponents of the theories would analyse the important issue;
explain how these key concepts and core assumptions lead to a particular interpretation of the important issue;
identify core assumptions made about the nature of international relations from that perspective;
show how these international relations theories vary.
Components of the assignment and grading
Thesis Statement- 10/100
Your thesis statement/central argument should be no more than two complete sentences that summarizes your answer to the chosen question. Note that the thesis statement should directly answer the question you choose and include the points you use to support this answer. Your thesis statement should be easy to identify within your essay introduction.
Introduction: 10/100
Your introduction (usually 1-3 paragraphs) should: 1. Clearly state the question you choose to answer. 2. Include your thesis statement 3. Outline how you will support your thesis and how the essay will be organized. You must clearly map out the essay, meaning that you are specific about how your main points will be organized in the body of the essay.
Demonstrating an understanding of the theories and effectively relating it to the global issue: 25/100
In your essay you should make reference to the theories included in the essay question and highlight their key concepts and core assumptions.
Research: 20/100
For the research essay you will be graded on two aspects of your research: 1. The extent to which your resources are diverse and include largely academic resources, with news articles and websites as support (aim for a balance of 80% academic sources- including journal articles, books and book chapters, and 20% news articles, governmental reports, information from official organisations, etc.); 2. The extent to which your resources directly relate to your thesis and clearly help you to support your central argument. Note: we expect a minimum of 6 academic sources .
Supporting your argument: 30/100
Does your essay body support your thesis statement with research and clearly articulated points? You will be graded on the extent to which the body of your essay relates to your thesis and supports your central argument. You will also be graded on how clearly you articulate your points, how well the body of the essay is organized, and the clarity and quality (in terms of writing style) of your paragraphs.
Conclusion: 5/100
Your conclusion should clearly summarise your main argument. Be sure not to introduce any new research or arguments in the conclusion.
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