Policy Analysis (30%). 35 Points
This is a paper should be between 500 and 1000 words (citations not included). Please note
that nothing beyond the 1000 word limit will be read. You will be expected to choose some
current problem (or comment on a particular policy debate) and evaluate alternative policy
solutions, taking in consideration economic and political aspects, as well as one other aspect of
your choosing (e.g. equity, humanitarian, ethical,…) of the issue. The problem or policy debate
should be at least tangentially related to some aspect of IPE.
In your brief, you should address the following questions:
1) What is the nature of the problem, what are its origins, and why is it important?
2) What policy options are available, and what are their strengths and weaknesses?
3) What is your preferred policy choice? Justify your choice. What criticism of your position
would you anticipate?
A scoring rubric/guide is included below.
What is the nature of the problem? (3 pts)
3 points Student has presented the issue(s) in a clear, comprehensive, and
unambiguous manner. The source is included in the paper.
2 points Student has presented the issue(s) relatively well, however, the issues are
somewhat unclear and ambiguous. The source is included in the paper.
1 point Issue is well-presented and clear. However, the source is not included.
OR The problem is unclear and/or ambiguous, but it includes the source.
What are the origins of the problem? (3 pts)
3 points Student has presented the issue(s) in a clear, comprehensive, and
unambiguous manner.
2 points Student has presented the issue(s) relatively well, however, the issues are
somewhat unclear and ambiguous.
1 point The origin of the problem is unclear and/or ambiguous.
Why is the problem important? (3 pts)
3 points Shows evidence of critical thinking and links to IPE material. Explanation is
well thought out and presented.
2 points Shows some evidence of critical thinking and engagement with content
related to IPE. However, it is contradictory and/or inaccurate in the points
presented.
1 point Does not show any depth of thinking regarding why the problem matters nor
how it relates to anything related to IPE.
What policy options are available? (3 pts)
3 points Student clearly and unambiguously describes at least 3 policy options.
2 points Student somewhat describes at least 3 policy options OR clearly describes
only 2 policy options.
1 point Unclear and/or ambiguous description of at least 3 policy options OR clear
description of only 1 policy option.
What are the strengths of each policy option? (3 pts)
3 points Student clearly and unambiguously describes at least 1 strength of each
policy option.
2 points Student somewhat clearly describes at least 1 strength of each policy
option.
1 point Policy strength(s) is poorly described. It is unclear, ambiguous, and/or
confusing.
What are the weaknesses of each policy option? (3 pts)
3 points Student clearly and unambiguously describes at least 1 weakness of each
policy option.
2 points Student somewhat clearly describes at least 1 weakness of each policy
option.
1 point Policy weakness(es) is poorly described. It is unclear, ambiguous, and/or
confusing.
What is your preferred policy choice? (2 pts)
2 points Policy choice is clear and unambiguous.
1 point Policy choice is unclear and ambiguous.
Justify your choice of policy option (3 pts)
3 points Shows evidence of critical thinking and links to IPE material. Explanation is
well thought out and presented.
2 points Shows some evidence of critical thinking and engagement with IPE content.
However, it is contradictory and/or inaccurate in the points presented.
1 point Does not show any depth of thinking regarding the choice of policy nor how
it relates to anything related to IPE.
What criticism of your position would you anticipate? (3 pts)
3 points Shows evidence of critical thinking and links theory to criticism(s) potentially
presented. Is well thought out and presented.
2 points Shows some evidence of critical thinking and engagement with theory when
presenting anticipated criticism(s). However, it is contradictory and/or
inaccurate in the points presented.
1 point Does not show any depth of thinking regarding criticisms of chosen policy
nor how the criticism(s) may relate to any of the course material and/or
economic/political theories.
NOTE: A score of 0 will be given in an area that is not addressed at all.
FORMAT REQUIREMENTS FOR PAPER ASSIGNMENTS
Double-space
Type your assignment using Times New Roman 12 point font OR Ariel 10/11 point
Have a header on the upper right of each page containing 6 items:
• your name AND student ID
• course number AND term (POSC 126 Summer 2019)
• page number AND total pages (e.g., page 1 of 2)
Formatting & Style Points (9 points)
1 points, for Overall, good grammar & spelling
1 points, for Overall, sentences are clear and unambiguous
2 points, for Overall, an easy and interesting read
1 point, for Double-spaced
1 point, for Times New Roman 12 point font OR Ariel 10 or 11 point
1 point, for Name AND student ID (1/2 point each)
1 point, for Course number AND term (POSC 126 Summer 2019) (1/2 point each)
1 point, for Page number AND total pages (e.g., page 1 of 2) (1/2 point each)