POLS 374 FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL POLITICS
Final Examination: Mini-Essay Question
General Instructions: The basic instructions for your final exam mini-essay questions
are the same as for the first two mini-essay assignments.
Assignment Topic
Do people matter in global politics? This, of course, is the overarching question in the
textbook by Tétreault and Lipschutz. Did the authors make a convincing argument? After
examining their argument over the entire quarter, what do you think? For you final miniessay, I would like you to write a direct response to the authors. In your response, tell the
authors what you liked about their argument, but also what you didn’t like or what you
thought was missing. Even if you were unconvinced, tell the authors what you learned
from reading and discussing their book. However you respond, make sure you do so in a
thoughtful, open-minded, yet critical manner. It is also important that support your
position. (Criticism or praise is of no value if it is nothing more than an unsupportable
opinion.)
This is a purposefully open-ended assignment, meaning, in part, that there are many
equally appropriate ways in which you can respond. The main criteria for doing well,
however, are straightforward: (1) demonstrate a clear and strong understanding of the
authors’ overall argument (whether you agree with it or not); (2) demonstrate, in your
essay, serious thought and reflection about the topic (knee-jerk, shallow or simplistic
responses will not do well); and (3) provide a clear response to all the key questions and
requirements mentioned above.
Remember to frame your essay as a direct response to the authors. That is, write your
essay as if you were going to send it to the authors. Indeed, depending on the quality of
the essays, I may do just this—I may send (at least some of) your essays to the authors.
I’m sure the authors would be interested in knowing what students think.
Also remember the page limit is 2 pages. Do not write more than this. Do not use a font
smaller than 12 points. Single-space your essays, and make sure you carefully proofread
before turning in your paper.
YOUR ESSAYS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, DEC. 8th AT THE BEGINNING OF
THE FINAL EXAM PERIOD.