CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Country Portfolio, Essay and Tutorial
The independent country study is a major component of the course, which combines individualized attention with
independent research in order to develop an expertise of a particular country. This work will culminate with a classroom
presentation and a thesis based term paper. From the list given, you will choose one nation and follow requirements to
develop your independent study. As agreed upon, you will not choose a nation that is part of your heritage. This portion of
the course counts for 20% of your final grade. It is, therefore, extremely important that you work hard, use your time wisely,
ask as many questions as possible, see me about any concerns you have and meet all your deadlines and requirements.
SCHEDULE
COUNTRY CHOICE
September 21
NARRATIVE REPORT
September 28
TIMELINE AND HISTORY
October 12
BIOGRAPHY
October 26
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
November 9
OUTLINE AND INTRODUCTION
November 16
ESSAY
December 3
TUTORIALS
December 10 to 19
TOPICS/COUNTRIES
Your topics/countries of study have been selected specifically to reflect areas of change and political evolution or
revolution. This has been done so that we may scrutinize these regions and perhaps develop generalizations or conclusions
as to whether a nation’s development can be traced to any parallel factors, whether regional or external.
AFRICA:
CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA:
-SUDAN
-ZIMBABWE
-SOMALIA
-LIBYA
-LIBERIA
-SIRRA LEONE
-SOUTH AFRICA
MIDDLE EAST:
-SYRIA
-IRAN
-LEBANON
-PAKISTAN
-EL SALVADOR
-NICARAGUA
-VENEZUELA
-CHILE
-ARGENTINA
-HAITI
ASIA:
-VIETNAM
-MYANMAR (BURMA)
-CAMBODIA
-PHILIPPINES
2
REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION
As part of the Independent Study Unit, you will be required to hand in various items as steps toward your final assignments.
These initial assignments will be part of your process mark and are meant to aid you to your final essay and presentation.
COUNTRY STUDY (10% OF COURSE EVALUATION)
1. NARRATIVE REPORT
25 MARKS
-A 2-3-page (single spaced) overview of the geography, political life, culture and economy of your country
at present. Include maps and images where possible. Include a bibliography. Research Paper Rubric
will be used for evaluation.
2. TIMELINE AND HISTORY
25 MARKS
-A timeline of your country’s history from its beginnings to present.
-A 3-4-page brief history of your country in the 20th century paying close attention to important events.
Include a bibliography. Research Paper Rubric will be used for evaluation.
3. BIOGRAPHY
25 MARKS
-A 3-4-page biographical essay of an individual who was important to the development of your country.
Include inter-textual referencing and bibliography. Position Paper Rubric will be used for evaluation.
5. TUTORIAL
50 MARKS
-A 15-20 minute class presentation on your country followed by Q. & A. Country Tutorial Rubric will be
used for evaluation.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY (10% OF COURSE EVALUATION)
1. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
20 MARKS
-Books and other sources, especially journals, magazines and newspaper articles, you will use in your
preliminary research. Essay Process Evaluation Form will be used for evaluation
2. INTRODUCTION
20 MARKS
-A formal introduction for your essay containing a thesis statement clearly identifying your proposed area
of study. Essay Process Evaluation Form will be used for evaluation.
3. ESSAY OUTLINE/PROPOSAL
20 MARKS
-An outline of your essay and proposed area of study. Essay Process Evaluation Form will be used for
evaluation.
4. FINAL ESSAY
95 MARKS
-An analytical term paper (5-7 pages )on a political topic of your choice surrounding your country of study,
with supporting documentation, internal references and a final bibliography. Formal Essay Rubric.