Foreign Policy Analysis
ASSESSMENT
Assessment will comprise two strands, formative (non-assessed) and summative (assessed).
The formative component comprises an opportunity to receive feedback by submitting an essay outline (no more than 1,000 words). Students are encouraged to provide short outlines for one of the two essays. Plans should be no more than two sides of A4 in 12 point Times New Roman (or similar), and emailed to the lecturer at least ten days prior to the essay submission deadline. Outlines that meet these criteria will be read and returned with comments. Draft essays will not be read.
The final mark for the course is unaffected by submission of essay outlines. It is, however, a valuable opportunity to receive feedback on your work, which may assist you in writing the essays.
The summative assessment comprises two essays of 2500 words each. Each essay is worth 50% of the final grade.
The first essay is due the Monday of Week 6, 17 February. It will consist of a critical evaluation of the recommended readings for one week of the student’s choosing from Weeks 1-5. Students must not merely summarize the readings, but must discuss and analyse their contrasting arguments in light of each other and assess the evidence each reading offers. This critical assessment must cover at least Five of the recommended readings for one week.
The essay can address the following questions:
What are the main arguments and/or main findings of the readings?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each argument?
What kinds of assumptions underpin these arguments? What is taken for granted or unspoken that the authors accept unproblematically?
What kind of evidence do the authors present? Is it persuasive? Why or why not?
Does the evidence presented support the argument?
Is there another way to interpret the evidence that differs from the author’s interpretation?
Are there other kinds of evidence that would better supplement the argument?
Are there any policy implications of the argument?
This is not meant to be an exhaustive inventory of issues that the essay should address, but it should get you started. In terms of organization, the essay should have a brief introductory paragraph (a “road map” of the essay telling the reader, in broad terms, what s/he is about to read) and a brief concluding paragraph.
The second essay is due on 27 April. It must address one of the essay questions listed below. The essay may draw upon the required readings, but importantly MUST also draw from at least five of the suggested/recommended readings.
ESSAY QUESTIONS FOR ASSESSMENT II
1. “Explanations of foreign policy must focus on the role of psychology in decision-making.” Discuss.
2. How does a focus on race and/or gender politics challenge more conventional approaches to foreign policy analysis?
3. Compared with other factors, does public opinion have a significant influence on foreign policy decisions?
4. What potential advantages and/or disadvantages do the concepts of “discourse” and “identity”
offer to the study of foreign policy?
5. Is it possible to conduct an ethical foreign policy?
Guide to Essay Marking
Grade Mark Description
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5 22
21
20
19
18 Excellent performance is characterised by most but necessarily all of the following:
Clear, comprehensive answer that displays sound critical thinking and insights
Relevant evidence and readings from the course, and perhaps beyond, are cited accurately with very few errors.
All key points are addressed fully
Originality, creativity, and independent judgement are present
B1
B2
B3 17
16
15 Very good performance is characterised by most but not necessarily all of the following:
Clear answer that fully addresses the key points
Sound reasoning that displays a good understanding of the subject matter
Relevant evidence and course readings are used with few errors
Less critical thinking, originality, and insight than in an excellent performance
C1
C2
C3 14
13
12 Good performance is characterised by most but not necessarily all of the following:
Answer displays a basic understanding of the subject matter
Evidence of reading from course materials, but some points may not be fully relevant
Little in the way of an argument or critical thinking
Some errors may be present
D1
D2
D3 11
10
9 Satisfactory performance is characterised by most but not necessarily all of the following:
Only a modest understanding of the subject matter is displayed
Modest evidence of reading from course materials, with the inclusion of a few relevant points
Many errors may be present
E1
E2
E3 8
7
6 Weak performance is characterised by most but not necessarily all of the following:
Failure to answer question, though there may be an answer to a similar question
Little evidence of any understanding of the subject matter is displayed
Significant errors may be present
F1
F2
F3 5
4
3 Poor performance is characterised by most but not necessarily all of the following:
Failure to answer question directly
Very little evidence of any understanding of the subject matter is displayed
Many significant errors are likely to be present
G1
G2 2
1 Very poor performance is characterised by most of the following:
Failure to answer question
No evidence of any understanding of the subject matter is displayed
H 0 Absence of positive qualities
Good essays should show consistency of standpoint or argument together with acknowledgement of rival arguments, clear structure, simple and direct writing, good punctuation and evidence of wide reading. Choose a question from those listed below.
Please read the criteria for written assessment (below). The MSc/MRes in IR Course Guide and the School’s PGT Student Handbook should be consulted for further information about submission of assessed work, Urkund, marking conventions, penalties, extensions and other matters.
Exchange or disability students might have special assessment arrangements. Please contact the lecturer.
Word Limits
Word limits for all assessed work in Politics include footnotes/endnotes but not bibliography (appendices, where applicable, are also excluded). Students should clearly state the word count on the cover sheet of their assessed work.
Students who submit an essay which is over the word limit will be penalised: 1 point in the 22 scale for being over/under the word limit by 10-15 per cent, 2 points for 15-20 per cent, and 3 points for 20-25 per cent, 4 points for 30-25 per cent, etc.
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