DISCUSSION PAPER Instructions
Winter 2007
Professor Paris
Write
a discussion paper (maximum 1,000 words) analyzing the Overview section of
Step
1: Read the Overview section of the
International Policy Statement (IPS).
The IPS was issued by
the Paul Martin government in 2005. It
consists of five parts:
1. Overview
2. Diplomacy policy
statement
3. Defence policy
statement
4. Development policy
statement
5. Commerce policy
statement
For this assignment, read
only the Overview section of the IPS (not the other sections). The Overview is available here: http://aix1.uottawa.ca/~rparis/IPS_Overview.pdf
Step
2: In no more than 1,000 words, write a discussion
paper that answers the following question.
In his textbook, John
Kirton presents three theoretical perspectives on Canadian foreign policy: (1) Liberal Internationalism, (2) Peripheral
Dependence, and (3) Complex
Neo-Realism.
Kirton (on p. 189 of his
textbook) argues that the IPS is “predominantly” written from the perspective
of Complex Neo-Realism. Do you agree? Your task is to analyze the theoretical
foundations of the IPS Overview document.
Use the Kirton textbook to familiarize yourself with all three
theories. Then examine the elements of
the IPS Overview document very closely, considering how they do (or do not)
reflect each of these theoretical approaches.
Begin your paper with a thesis statement clearly presenting your argument on the theoretical
foundations of the IPS Overview – and whether or not you agree with Kirton’s
assessment. The rest of the paper should
provide a detailed analysis that supports and fleshes out your thesis
statement. Avoid vague generalizations –
demonstrate that you have understood the theories and that you carefully read
and analyzed the IPS Overview.
Research
Sources:
·
Apart from the IPS Overview document and the Kirton
textbook, no additional research or sources are required. No extra credit will be given to students who
choose to consult outside sources.
However, if you do use any other sources, you must provide references
(footnotes or endnotes) in your paper.
Additional
guidelines:
·
Print the essay single-sided, double-spaced, with
normal-sized fonts and margins, and with numbered pages. Print the word count on the first page.
·
Avoid lengthy quotations. Paraphrase long quotations instead.
Writing
Help
·
Good writing is clear, well-organized writing. Don’t hesitate to use the free services of
the Writing Centre: http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/writing/
Lateness
Policy
·
Essays are due in class on February 14.
·
Your essay will be reduced one grade (e.g., B+ to
B) for each day of lateness, including weekends. Essays submitted more than 7 days after the
due date will receive a zero or F grade.
·
Essays must be submitted in paper directly to the
professor, or to the Political Studies office and date-stamped.
Plagiarism
and Fraud
·
This is an individual assignment – do not
collaborate with other students.
Collaboration is a form of cheating for this assignment. Penalties for academic fraud will be applied
in such cases.
·
Avoid plagiarism (failing to credit the words
and/or ideas of other people). If you
have any doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, please read this: http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/writing/plagiarism.pdf