Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth examination of select global problems. Focuses on developing policy-related writing skills valuable for careers in government and in intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. Assignments may include: briefing papers, policy papers, grant writing, and op-ed essays. Students with credit for IS 450W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to focus on the skills and applications of research and writing that are relevant beyond academia, and which IS students will likely encounter across governmental, nongovernmental, and private sectors. Much of this work involves researching, over a relatively short period of time, what has been written about a specific topic or problem and organizing key arguments about it. You will be expected to think through and develop arguments in favour of a particular course of action. This kind of work requires clarity of purpose, the capacity to identify and synthesize key ideas, and economical and authoritative writing.

Students will develop a diverse set of research and writing skills through three assignments. These assignments are of the type that students of International Studies may expect to be asked to take up in their professional careers: a professional writing portfolio, briefing note and policy memo. In addition to these assignments, students will learn about a number of other professional writing formats including white papers, opinion pieces, literature reviews, and executive summaries.  

There are only a few assigned readings. Students will be expected, with guidance, to identify relevant research sources, and to draw extensively on web-based materials, including ‘grey literature’ (e.g., the literature produced by international organizations, research institutions, policy think-tanks, etc.) and, when relevant, news media.

You will be asked to practice these forms of writing and research in relation to problems or issues of international significance. The focus for this class will be Canada’s defence spending and priorities.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from an array of sources, including academic research.
• Analyze and evaluate policy options related to the core themes of the course.
• Refine their ability to research, structure, and write different kinds of written deliverables: personal writing, briefing papers, and policy briefs.
• Communicate ideas and complex information to a non-specialist audience, including policy-makers and the public.
• Provide feedback and ask considered questions during in-class simulations.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

As the course proceeds, I may make one or two changes to the assigned readings. Any changes will be announced in advance on Canvas and in class. Please check Canvas (and your related email notifications) regularly.