International Studies Paper
Follow the instructions and read the sources on the pdf. Write a 1000-1200 word paper. Due on 5th September.
Paper prompt:
In this class we touch on topics such as thinking globally about history, colonialism,
inequality, human rights, and social movements; all of which are relevant today. Recent
protests are forcing the US to reckon with its ugly past of racial inequality. Recent works
by author Isabel Wilkerson ask, Does the US have a “caste system” today? Can caste
systems operate at the transnational level as well? Could the divide between the first
world and third world be described as a global caste system?
Some possible resources (optional):
Americas Enduring Caste System (2020)
https://nyti.ms/2CZ8PHF
(Links to an external site.)
It’s More Than Racism: Isabel Wilkerson Explains America’s ‘Caste’ System (2020)
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/898574852/its-more-than-racism-isabel-wilkerson-expla
ins-america-s-caste-system
(Links to an external site.)
America’s ‘untouchables’: the silent power of the caste system (2020)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/untouchables-caste-system-us-race-mar
tin-luther-king-india?CMP=share_btn_link
(Links to an external site.)
Does America have a caste system? (2018)
https://theconversation.com/does-america-have-a-caste-system-89118
(Links to an external site.)
Racial and caste oppression have many similarities (2015)
https://theconversation.com/racial-and-caste-oppression-have-many-similarities-37710
(Links to an external site.)
https://nyti.ms/2CZ8PHF
https://nyti.ms/2CZ8PHF
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/898574852/its-more-than-racism-isabel-wilkerson-explains-america-s-caste-system
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/898574852/its-more-than-racism-isabel-wilkerson-explains-america-s-caste-system
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/898574852/its-more-than-racism-isabel-wilkerson-explains-america-s-caste-system
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/untouchables-caste-system-us-race-martin-luther-king-india?CMP=share_btn_link
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/untouchables-caste-system-us-race-martin-luther-king-india?CMP=share_btn_link
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/untouchables-caste-system-us-race-martin-luther-king-india?CMP=share_btn_link
https://theconversation.com/does-america-have-a-caste-system-89118
https://theconversation.com/does-america-have-a-caste-system-89118
https://theconversation.com/racial-and-caste-oppression-have-many-similarities-37710
https://theconversation.com/racial-and-caste-oppression-have-many-similarities-37710
Directions:
Use concepts and examples from the assigned course readings and course lectures to
respond to the prompt. We are not asking you to summarize the readings/lectures/news
sources or answer all the questions above. We are not asking for your unsupported
opinions. We are asking you to make your own coherent and well-supported argument
about the topic. Cite specific concepts, short quotes, and examples from the assigned
readings and lectures as evidence to support your own argument. Your paper needs to
include a thesis statement that outlines your argument.
Your paper should be 1000-1200 words or about 3-4 double spaced pages. Please pay
careful attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use the campus Writing Center
if you need help. Remember that citations are required for both paraphrasing and direct
quotes from either the text or lecture. Feel free to cite other books and articles as
needed. Include a full list of works cited at the end (APA, Chicago, or other citation
standard be consistent!).
IS 1 Rubric
Criteria Pts
This criterion is linked to
a Learning Outcome
Thesis Statement
The argument or
purpose of the paper
must be clearly stated,
fully developed and is
relevant to the prompt.
The thesis statement
should be in the
introductory paragraph
and should illustrate the
organization of the
essay.
20.0
pts
This criterion is linked to
a Learning Outcome
Ideas, Support &
Evidence
Main ideas must be
sufficiently supported by
course material (i.e.
lectures, readings,
textbook). The evidence
supplied should be
original and show a dept
of ideas. The essay
must make clear
connections between
course concepts and
important global issues.
25.0
pts
This criterion is linked to
a Learning Outcome
Structure/Organization
Organization is
sequential and
paragraphs are well
developed and
appropriately divided;
ideas linked with
smooth and effective
transitions. The essay
should be organized
around the thesis
statement, and all
paragraphs should
25.0
pts
include topic and
concluding sentences.
This criterion is linked to
a Learning Outcome
Grammar & Style
Essay must be free from
grammatical errors and
utilize a formal writing
style. Each sentence
should be structured
effectively with
appropriate sentence
length/paragraph length.
15.0
pts
This criterion is linked to
a Learning Outcome
Argument/Addressing
the Prompt
The argument proposed
should be original, be
relevant to the prompt,
and show a depth of
ideas. It should take a
clear stance on an
issue, and not merely
summarize readings.
The essay should also
refer back to the
argument regularly and
not stray away from the
prompt.
15.0
pts
Total Points: 100.0
