2017GIR Research Paper
Rationale
The theoretical analysis research paper gives students the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge of IR that they have gained in the course to real world contexts, whether contemporary or historical. This assessment item is designed to enhance students skills in critical thinking, sourcing of appropriate information, analysis, applying theories to practice, and the succinct communication in writing of complex theoretical concepts and empirical evidence.
Task description
- Students will research, analyse and write a research paper that provides a theoretical
analysis of one (1) case study or issue in International Relations (IR). Example cases and
issues from which students can choose are provided below. An introductory range of source
materials on the IR theories studied in the course are provided on the 2017GIR L@G reading
list. Students will research their chosen case study and the theories necessary for their
analysis.
The Research Paper should be 2000-2500 words in length. Papers should conform to
standard academic conventions. The preferred referencing styles are Harvard in-text
referencing or Chicago-style footnotes (NOT endnotes). An online guide to Chicago style is
here: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
Papers must be referenced appropriately and correctly, including page numbers for all
book and journal references, and include a reference list (of only sources cited directly in
the text). Essays must be 1.5 or double line spaced using a standard font and formatting.
Sources for the research paper MUST be scholarly books, journal articles and book chapters.
Internet sources may be used but only where necessary. Reputable online media outlets
may be used for recent information relating to case studies and issues. Research papers
based solely or predominantly on websites are unlikely to achieve a pass grade. (Please
note: journal articles or e-books accessed electronically are not considered to be internet
sources and can be referenced the same as a book or journal article).
Criteria and marking
The theoretical analysis research paper will be assessed for:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant IR theories.
- Application of the theories to case study/issue; insightful of the analysis.
- Breadth of relevant research; appropriate and quality source materials.
- Quality of essay structure and organization.
- Quality of written communication: spelling, punctuation, grammar, formatting, referencing; following instructions.
Example Case Studies and Issues
Following are some example case studies and issues that are suitable for the theoretical approaches covered in the course:
- South China Sea dispute
- Member states withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) Rohingya crisis in Myanmar/Bangladesh
- AUKUS Agreement
- Solomon Islands China Framework Agreement on Security Cooperation The Quadrilateral Security Initiative (The Quad)
- Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Regional Trade Agreements
o Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
o Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
o Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
- COVID-19 related issues: Vaccine nationalism, COVAX, role of WHO, etc Nuclear non-proliferation (Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 2017) Climate change-related (Paris agreement 2015; Glasgow Climate Pact COP26, 2021) Youth and conflict (child soldiers; youth and conflict resolution/peace building) Global poverty (contemporary characteristics, causes and conditions) China and Taiwan
- North Koreas Nuclear Weapons Program
- The Rules-Based International Order
Students may choose another case study or issue of interest (except for Russia-Ukraine War and related issues, which we will be using in the Workshops), but please discuss suitability with your Workshop Instructor. Contemporary and historical case studies are welcome.
Research papers must feature an introduction and conclusion, provide concise background on the case study to be analyzed, and conduct a theoretical analysis using two (2) of the theoretical approaches studied during the trimester. Extensive guidance on this task will be given throughout the trimester.
