Overview
Introduction and Format:
Students are required to answer two essay questions which are provided below. Each essay should be 4 to 5 double-spaced pages (8 - 10 pages in total). Students should use the traditional 8.5 x 11 paper margins with 12pt font using “Microsoft Word” as the word processor for writing these essays. Citations of sources should be included in the body of your essay as follows: (last name of author, date of publication and page numbers) all in parentheses. The example would be as follows: (Chang 2014, 65-67).
At the end of each essay, there should be a bibliography that lists the complete information for all your citations in alphabetical order by the last name of author, such as: Hickel, Jason. 2017. The Divide: Global Inequality from the Conquest to Free Markets. New York: W.W. Norton.
Make sure you have essays that are well-written, well-organized, and well-supported with references to chapters and books used in class. At least a full letter grade will be deducted if there is any sloppiness of grammar and/or organization. Also, when you submit your essays, it will be subject to a plagiarism check using the Turnitin program, which is included in Canvas. Make sure you cite your sources and put anything you take directly from a source in quotation marks. Plagiarism runs the risk of failing the course and facing disciplinary action from the University.
Essay Questions
- What is the current scope and scale of the global debt crisis? Who are the main actors? What are the historical origins of the debt crisis? What are the lessons for students of international political economy? In your answer, rely on course readings from Canvas and Hickel.
- William Robinson argues that neoliberal capitalism is in a state of serious structural crisis. What are the main causes of this crisis, according to Robinson? What are the most important political and economic consequences? What are the sources of “global revolt?” Conclude the essay with an assessment of Robinson’s argument.
Guidelines
These essays are intended to assess your ability to provide an analysis of the distribution of power and wealth in the international political economy. Strong essays should be well-organized, with a clear thesis statement in the opening paragraph that articulates your objectives for the essay (consistent with the questions being asked). Essays should provide accurate information and should provide well-documented evidence from course readings to analyze the historical events and terms referenced by the questions. Students are required to use the sources assigned in this class, but may also cite other sources (though you are not required to do so), as long as they are scholarly sources (meaning they are well-supported by extensive citations and references). Finally, each essay should have good transitions that allow the reader to follow the points under discussion. And students need to address all the questions included within the essay.