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Friday, September 02, 2016

International Relations: Guidelines for the Research Paper

The papers will be 40% of each of the grading periods (Prelim Grade, and Final Grade).

For Pol 281, International Relations Paper will be a manuscript proposing a basic thesis on the international relations environment.

Your goal is to write a well researched argumentative paper, as original as possible, well supported by facts, and worth presenting at an international conference.

How to go about with the paper:

In observing the international world, note what issues exist (based on news, what you read in BBC, CNN, CFR).  Pick one that is relevant (currently being debated on, currently affecting many people.).  Propose a model to address that issue.

What's a model?  It will be an illustration of a theory in it's practical application on a particular issue. Remember that theses are usually generalizable, but for this paper, you will propose a specific, direct, positive statement.  E.g.  "Model X can solve the Syrian conflict"

Since it's an illustration of a theory.  Your proposal will either be based 1) on an existing IR theory (e.g. Machiavelli's tenents in The Prince, Wilson's Speech... etc.) , or 2) based on a currently existing sample or way used in a different place in the world (e.g. the EU, Australia's Migration Policy... etc.)

I want you to illustrate the theory or sample using shapes, lines and arrows from MS Word. Transform the idea into a comprehensible image or diagram.  Use colors if necessary.  Name the model after the source.

E.g.  Richelius' Theory on Embassies , Diagram by Ronald M. Castillo AB Political Science Student

Hence, the Introduction must  give a concise background on the issue, identify the actors involved (without sounding enumerative), show the model with a brief background and explanation, propose the thesis argument.  

Prove to me in your discussion, how  such model will be able to address the issue.

Conclude by giving me a concise affirmation of the thesis and the main points that premised and supported your thesis.

Sample issues:  war, peace efforts,  

Balance your references with library / non-library sources.  Print / non-print sources, web and non-web sources, electronic / non-electronic sources.  You don't need to get all of these.  Just make sure your references are balanced.  E.g. not all are web or all books, only 1 library source.

Technical Reminders:

Use standard paper format.  Spacing is double spaced.  6 pages including References.  Cover page will have the "1st 3 lines" reuirement and the Rubric.  Introduction immediately begins on the next page (which counts as page 1).
Use headings (major and minor).  
Sudden death applies.
Each manuscript must have had at least two library references.  Support by affixing a UST Benavides Library Check-out receipt stapled to the references page.

Rubric:

Don't just download the Rubric.  Read it and base your paper on it since the grades will be based on this chart.

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