Final Evaluation:
Over the last few months, we have read and discussed a variety of political theories - representing a sample of Western political thought ranging from the Renaissance and Enlightenment, up to and including the present times. Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke were among the first in the Western political tradition to consider the source and nature of power, the constants within human relationships across time and space, and to discuss the implications of their conclusions upon the purpose and nature of the 'state' itself. By focusing their attention on the eternal 'human condition', each of Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke was attempting to forge conclusions not merely of value to their own respective age; rather, they were attempting to offer a diagnosis and prescription for politics across all time and space. Accordingly, through the study of their work, Canadians in the 21st century *should* be able to develop a more rich and fulsome dialogue about the purpose of politics in our own life and times --human relationships, the nature of power, and the role of state and non-state actors within national and international levels.
To help bring the ideas of the political philosophers into the present time, some of the influential scholars of the present-day, and current conflicts and crises in Canadian & World Politics have been considered. Conceptual approaches in International Relations presented contrasts between realism, liberalism and constructivism. The international Migration Crisis, the construct of the Liberal International Order, Free Trade, the role of Non- Governmental Organizations, theory and practice of Human Rights, the debate over national sovereignty and the forces of globalization, and various case studies all offer an example of the continuity across time and space between old and new ideas.
Now it is time to pull all of this together, and to attempt to make connections across the various discussions we have had.
You will have full access to your notebooks, course readings, and anything else you need to complete your response. The only stipulation is that the work must be done in class. You will begin the assignment the first period, and then leave your work in class and resume where you left off the second class etc.
Answers will be written on foolscap. (Single sided, double spaced)
If you have any further questions, please contact Mr. Parsons via email to discuss. David.Parsons@ocdsb.ca
Questions :
1. Objective Questions: List of terms touching on each case study covered in the course.
2. Essay Prompt: Using her "Address on Canada's Foreign Policy Priorities" (June 6, 2017), isolate Minister Freeland's theoretical position on World Politics; defend your argument making reference to specific passages found in her speech.[1]
3. Essay Prompt: "In light of International Relations theory discussed in this course, analyse your foreign policy response to the Migration Crisis."[2]
4. Essay Prompt: With reference to specific theorists and case study examples, answer the following prompt: "What is the point and purpose of politics?"
In-Class Periods: CPW4U.01 (June 10-14, 2019)
Note: Each written response will be evaluated based on considerations for
- Knowledge & Understanding:
-use detailed & precise technical terminology whenever possible
- Thinking & Inquiry:
-use of strategized responses to complex problems.
-demonstrates an appreciation of symptoms, diagnosis, and prescription, and an awareness of theoretical approaches within Political Science
- Application:
-purposeful use of detailed information as evidence in argument construction
-purposeful use of Political Science / International Relations theory in argument construction
- Communication:
-use of planned and structured responses
-attention to proper thesis placement, topic sentences in body paragraphs, clarity of writing
Grades of 4- to 4++ will demonstrate thorough evidence of evaluation criteria, and exceed provincial standard
Grades of 3- to 3+ will demonstrate considerable evidence of evaluation criteria, and meet the provincial standard
Grades of 2- to 2+ will demonstrate some evidence of evaluation criteria, albeit slightly below provincial standard
Grades of 1- to 1+ will demonstrated limited evidence of evaluation criteria, below provincial standard
[1] Isolate two theoretical approaches to International Relations. Develop your response using counter-argument/argument format developed throughout the course. eg. "Though there is evidence to suggest that her theoretical position on World Politics is XXXXXX, examination of the "Address on Canada's Foreign Policy Priorities" reveals Freeland is clearly following a YYYYYYYYYY approach.
[2] Isolate two theoretical approaches to International Relations. Develop your response using counter-argument/argument format developed throughout the course. eg. "Though there is evidence to suggest that his policy response to the migration crisis displays Realist tendencies, examination of the 'Diagnosis' and 'Prescription' reveals Parsons is clearly following a Constructivist approach.
