The research essay is limited to a maximum of 2000 words, excluding appendices and the bibliography. Reports are to demonstrate clear evidence of the author’s ability to collect relevant and meaningful information that has been cited correctly and to mount a thoughtful, coherent argument based upon the findings.
Finished assignments must be well structured and demonstrate clear evidence that the student has conducted substantive research on the topic and reflected thoughtfully upon the findings. Sources of ideas appearing in the text other than one’s own must be cited, and bibliographies must be attached. Failure to do so will result in a grade zero.
The research essay question is – Do you think that the economic and financial crisis of 2008 and the rise of China and the “East” change the way we will need to think about global economy in the future?
Marking criteria:
1. Content. You must deal with your topic in a well-rounded manner, touching upon all major issues and possible (or extant) analyses thereof.
2. Critical analysis. Once you have demonstrated your understanding of the various issues at stake, you are strongly encouraged to manifest a capacity for independent thinking, i.e., to come up with your own creative solution. Simple approval of current actions is to be avoided, in the absence of any arguments stating that no other solution would have been as optimal.
3. Presentation. Your argument should be coherent, well-ordered and full of examples. If a statement is made, the example used to substantiate it should be the appropriate one.
4. Literature review. References are welcome not only to theorists whom we will have studied in class but also to evidence of your own independent reading.
