Explanation of assessment
Assessment 1 (10%): Bibliographical Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is twofold; It is one the one hand a test of your understanding for geopolitical theory and how to use it in your analysis of empirical issues; one the other hand, it is an exercise in qualitative research in preparation for your Research Essay later in the semester. Below you will find a list of qualitative sources we want you to derive your information from to build your argument.
Essay instructions:
Write a short essay on a current geopolitical issue using one of the theoretical approaches and perspectives you have found in the study of geopolitics to date. This means starting from readings from Weeks 1 – 4. There are several perspectives, but select the one that interests you most and that you think is the most relevant in understanding your chosen issue.
Firstly, outline the theory you have selected. For example, (just to get you started) Mackinder’s approach to geopolitics in Eurasia might be one perspective.
Secondly, briefly describe the current geopolitical issue and the relevance of the geopolitical perspective you have selected, providing positive or negative assessments of its utility in analysing your selected issue.
Finally, you must use a minimum of 6 sources in your bibliography for this essay. Furthermore, these sources must be material derived from a range of the following categories of sources:
- Academic journal articles and research reports
- Newspaper articles
- Statistics
- Published books (edited, sole or multiple-authored – make sure you understand the difference!)
- Government reports and policies
- Statements or publications from other pressure groups or social movement organisations
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