POLS427 Assignment Page

Check this page for information on class assignments. Be advised, though, that you should NOT completely rely on this page for information about assignments. Some information may only be available in class. If you have miss any class sessions, you should be sure to contact me.

Important! All assignments are subject to change. Please check with instructor before beginning any assignment!

Assignment #1: For this assignment, you have two basic tasks. First, select one current event or issue related to IR or global politics that clearly reflects realist principles, and one current event or issue that clearly reflects liberal principles. Second, write a clear, accurate, and concise essay that explains why the event(s) you selected reflect each of these two major perspectives in international relations theory. Your essay should be between 4 and 8 pages; neatly typed, double-spaced and reasonably free of grammatical and typographical errors.

Assignment #2: Using the chapters in the book Explaining International Relations Since 1945 as a guide, write an analysis of China’s international behavior from a realist, liberal, and structural perspective. More specifically, explain and/or evaluate China’s current international behavior and discuss future prospects using each perspective. Your paper must also include a brief evaluation of each perspective—which do you think offers the better framework for interpretation/explanation? Why?

Assignment #3: I will announce details of this assignment later in the quarter. However, very much like the first two assignments, you will be asked to analyze a current event or issue using the alternative perspectives of critical theory, postmodernism, feminism, and/or environmentalism.

Take-Home Final Examination: For the final examination, you will be required to demonstrate: (1) a clear and accurate grasp of each of the perspectives studied during the quarter; (2) an ability to use each perspective to analyze key themes in international relations and global politics; and (3) a capacity to evaluate (i.e., assess the strengths and weaknesses), in a thoughtful and critical manner, the various perspectives in relation to one another. The final exam, which I will hand out on the last day of class, will be comprised of between 2 and 4 essay questions. Outside research will be required.

Important! All assignments are subject to change. Please check with instructor before beginning any assignment!







			This page last update on Tuesday, October 1, 2002 Check this page for information on class assignments. Be advised, though, that you should NOT completely rely on this page for information about assignments. Some information may only be available in class. If you have miss any class sessions, you should be sure to contact me. Assignments in Brief Important! All assignments are subject to change. Please check with instructor before beginning any assignment! Assignment #1: For this assignment, you have two basic tasks. First, select one current event or issue related to IR or global politics that clearly reflects realist principles, and one current event or issue that clearly reflects liberal principles. Second, write a clear, accurate, and concise essay that explains why the event(s) you selected reflect each of these two major perspectives in international relations theory. Your essay should be between 4 and 8 pages; neatly typed, double-spaced and reasonably free of grammatical and typographical errors. Assignment #2: Using the chapters in the book Explaining International Relations Since 1945 as a guide, write an analysis of China’s international behavior from a realist, liberal, and structural perspective. More specifically, explain and/or evaluate China’s current international behavior and discuss future prospects using each perspective. Your paper must also include a brief evaluation of each perspective—which do you think offers the better framework for interpretation/explanation? Why? Assignment #3: I will announce details of this assignment later in the quarter. However, very much like the first two assignments, you will be asked to analyze a current event or issue using the alternative perspectives of critical theory, postmodernism, feminism, and/or environmentalism. Take-Home Final Examination: For the final examination, you will be required to demonstrate: (1) a clear and accurate grasp of each of the perspectives studied during the quarter; (2) an ability to use each perspective to analyze key themes in international relations and global politics; and (3) a capacity to evaluate (i.e., assess the strengths and weaknesses), in a thoughtful and critical manner, the various perspectives in relation to one another. The final exam, which I will hand out on the last day of class, will be comprised of between 2 and 4 essay questions. Outside research will be required. Important! All assignments are subject to change. Please check with instructor before beginning any assignment!