Political Science 211

Spring 2013

Assignment 1. Due: January 30 in Lecture

Introduction

The main purpose of this assignment is to give you some practice writing an essay. Half of the points on the midterm, and three-quarters of the points on the final exam will be from essay questions.

Specifics of the Assignment

Read and/or review the following:

Chapter 4 of Kinsella, Russett, and Starr.
Haass, Richard. 2008. The Age of Nonpolarity. Foreign Affairs 87(3): 44-56. This article is available online through Fondren Library's online journal collection.
Any notes from lecture or tutorial relevant to polarity

After you have finished reading and reviewing, put away the books, notes and any other materials. You will have 30 minutes to write an answer to the following essay question. You may not consult anyone or anything to write the essay (closed book, closed notes). You may spend no more than 30 minutes writing the essay. The answer you turn in must be typed. If you typed your answer, you are done with this part of the assignment. If you wrote your essay by hand, you should type your answer (typing time does not count toward the 30 minute limit). You must turn in the handwritten answer as well as the typed answer. If there are any discrepancies between the handwritten and typed answers this will be considered an Honor Code violation.

The essay topic is:

Many observers believe that the polarity of the international system plays a major role in determining the stability of the international system. In your essay, write about the following:

How do Kinsella, Russett, and Starr define polarity? Be sure to explain what is meant by polarity.
Provide definitions of unipolarity and multipolarity. These definitions can come from the reading or lectures. Also provide a definition of nonpolarity.
Which of these three types of polarity is the most accurate description of the current world? Which of these three types of polarity is the least accurate description of the current world? You must provide good arguments for your choices.

In most essay questions in the course you will be asked to make a choice. Failure to make a choice will mean that you get a poor grade. As well, expressing your thoughts and arguments is also critical to getting a good grade.

This assignment is pledged. Do not work with or consult any other person about the assignment. If you have any questions, talk to Dr. Stoll or your tutorial leader.