Your test on Friday will consist of two parts:
You are responsible for demonstrating all of the course concepts discussed in class and the course readings. To prepare for the multiple choice questions, I strongly recommend focusing on the PowerPoint presentations (but not to the exclusion of the readings).
You are receiving your essay questions in advance. You have two options from which to choose and you will write one essay. You will be permitted to bring a one-page (one-sided) outline to support your thinking and writing.
These are the essay two questions:
Question 1: Which paradigm in IR offers the best critique of realism in explaining how the international system works? Discuss with reference to realism, liberalism, and multiple strands of social constructivism.
Question 2: To what extent does peace studies provide useful insights into how to create a more just and peaceful world?
Assessment
These essays will be marked using the Argumentative Essay Rubric, which can be found on Google Drive and will also be attached to the tests. Be sure to read it carefully before creating your outlines. Pay special attention to the requirements for your introduction and thesis, reasoning, and use of language.
- 15 multiple choice questions worth 2 marks each (30 marks total)
- One essay worth 50 marks
You are responsible for demonstrating all of the course concepts discussed in class and the course readings. To prepare for the multiple choice questions, I strongly recommend focusing on the PowerPoint presentations (but not to the exclusion of the readings).
You are receiving your essay questions in advance. You have two options from which to choose and you will write one essay. You will be permitted to bring a one-page (one-sided) outline to support your thinking and writing.
These are the essay two questions:
Question 1: Which paradigm in IR offers the best critique of realism in explaining how the international system works? Discuss with reference to realism, liberalism, and multiple strands of social constructivism.
- To answer this effectively, you must explain the main assumptions and arguments of realism. You must then explain the main assumptions and arguments of the other theories we have examined. Finally, you must make a strong argument as to which provides the best critique. In order to be convincing, you will have to think carefully about what criteria to use when defining "best."
Question 2: To what extent does peace studies provide useful insights into how to create a more just and peaceful world?
- To answer this question effectively, you need to explain the main approach, assumptions, and arguments of peace studies scholars. You must also describe the main goals and methods of social change they argue for. Finally, you must evaluate how "useful" these insights are, which requires that you first carefully select criteria for defining what you mean by "useful."
Assessment
These essays will be marked using the Argumentative Essay Rubric, which can be found on Google Drive and will also be attached to the tests. Be sure to read it carefully before creating your outlines. Pay special attention to the requirements for your introduction and thesis, reasoning, and use of language.