DEPARTMENT OF PEACE STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2024/25
PES4018-B_2024_5 SEM1_BDA UNDERSTANDING THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM – Essay
Assessment Brief / Instructions for Students
The assessment for this module is a portfolio comprising assignments of varying types designed to test achievement against the module learning objectives.
Your work will be marked in accordance with the assessment criteria for essays & reflective essays used in the Department of Peace Studies and International Development. These are set out in detail on Canvas.
In short, we will look for the following qualities in submitted work, appropriate to the level of study:
- clear engagement with the concepts, theories and research literature covered in the module, as well as evidence of independent inquiry
- Evidence of ability to use concepts and theory knowledgeably and effectively in analysing a relevant case-study
- Evidence of being able to develop clear and well-supported points analysis and evaluation, demonstrating independent and critical thinking
- Evidence of ability to reflect on the process learning and development
- Evidence of being able to write effectively in English according to the task, purpose and level of study
- Evidence of thorough and appropriate referencing
- Evidence of appropriate participation and engagement throughout the semester
The referencing style used at Bradford University is Harvard. You can find guidance on referencing here: Referencing and Plagiarism – Help – University of Bradford
Please use Arial font, size 12. Text should be double-spaced.
Submission of the essay will be via Canvas. A submission link will be set up within the Assessment folder. Your essay should be submitted as a Word document.
Work that is over the stated word length will attract a penalty in proportion to the additional words (e.g. 5%).
All submissions are checked by Turnitin plagiarism detection software. A separate link in Canvas allows you to review your essay prior to submission. You should focus on ensuring your essay meets the university guidelines for referencing and academic integrity: What is plagiarism? – Find out about – University of Bradford. If you have any questions about this assignment, please speak with your module leader in good time before the deadline. Please ensure you allow enough time for completing your work. Avoid submitting it very close to the deadline in case of technical issues (e.g. broken Wi-Fi). It is your responsibility to ensure you submit the correct file and on time.
These essay titles are subject to confirmation by the external examiner
- How is feudalism connected with capitalism?
- To what extent is liberalism implicated within colonialism, and how?
- Is colonialism relevant today?
- How important was the Bolshevik Revolution and/or the project of the Soviet Union to global politics?
- How could either a) ‘World War II’ or b) the ‘Cold War’ be differently conceptualized?
- “Since the ‘age of new imperialism’, contemporary global governance functions to maintain the imperial hierarchy of Euro-modernity.” Discuss this statement with reference to theory and examples.
- What was the importance of resistance to imperialism during the ‘Cold War’?
- What structural and historical issues are important to recognize within international ‘security’?
- What structural and historical issues are important to recognize within international ‘law and humanitarianism’?
- What structural and historical issues are important to recognize within international ‘development’?
Word Count: 4300-4400
No. of Pages: 16