Marking criteria:
The work is assessed against four main criteria: content; critical analysis; presentation and exhaustiveness of research. The final mark is awarded for the work as a whole.
1. Content. You must deal with your topic in a well-rounded manner, touching upon all major issues and possible (or extant) analyses thereof.
2. Critical analysis. Once you have demonstrated your understanding of the various issues at stake, you are strongly encouraged to manifest a capacity for independent thinking, i.e., to come up with your own creative solution. Simple approval of current actions is to be avoided, in the absence of any arguments stating that no other solution would have been as optimal.
3. Presentation. Your argument should be coherent, well-ordered and full of examples. If a statement is made, the example used to substantiate it should be the appropriate one.
4. Literature review. References are welcome not only to theorists whom we will have studied in class but also to evidence of your own independent reading.
Marks
70 + Identification of almost all the main issues logically linked and accompanied by the relevant critique. Evidence of substantial research and external reading well applied to the question. Confident exposition and discussion of relevant theory and appropriate examples
60+ Identification of most of the main issues logically linked together with some critique. Good coverage of related theory. Very good evidence of knowledge, understanding & analysis. Perhaps limited evidence of external reading and research or limited linkage to “real” examples.
50+ Identification of some of the key issues, with fair evaluation of theory and practice. Good evidence of understanding, knowledge and analysis. Liable to be more descriptive than above.
40+ Identification of at least a few of the important issues, although linkages may not be shown. Poor use of models and concepts. Possibly partial answers that cover some aspects reasonably well but omit other significant areas. Little or no “real life” examples.
Fail
30 – 39 EITHER applies analysis wrongly (in more than one element) OR does not reflect an understanding of the purpose of the concepts. Poor explanations and misses key points. Descriptive. Does not really answer the question.
<30 BOTH Applies theory wrongly in more than one element or wrong analysis applied and applied poorly AND does not understand the purpose of the concepts. Poor explanations, entirely descriptive without key points. Does not answer the question.
20 – 30 Lists key points which would be developed in a longer answer. ALSO outlines a sound approach to question. Demonstrates understanding of the facts and models/concepts relevant to the question.
10 – 20 Lists some of the key points ALSO sound approach to the question; however, some ambiguity evident.
<10 Does not demonstrate a sound approach to the question and reflects poor knowledge of the subject area.
The research essay is limited to a maximum of 2000 words, excluding appendices and the bibliography. Reports are to demonstrate clear evidence of the author’s ability to collect relevant and meaningful information that has been cited correctly and to mount a thoughtful, coherent argument based upon the findings.
Finished assignments must be well structured and demonstrate clear evidence that the student has conducted substantive research on the topic and reflected thoughtfully upon the findings. Sources of ideas appearing in the text other than one’s own must be cited, and bibliographies must be attached. Failure to do so will result in a grade zero.
The project is due by 11.59 pm on Friday 27th November 2015.
It should be submitted via Blackboard.
Choose one of the following questions and write an essay up to 2000 words.
1- What are the advantage and disadvantages of the various ways of examining the extent of inequality within and between countries?
(100Mark)
2- Critically assess the view that resource rich economies are rather poor, underdeveloped and politically unstable. Offer examples in support of your analysis.
(100Mark)
3- What arguments and evidence do liberal writers use to make the case that globalization increases economic growth and reduces poverty and inequality? Submit evidence in support of your conclusion.
(100 Mark)
4- Is austerity “a dangerous idea”? With reference to a country of your choice, critically assess this proposition.
