Middle east Politics

Dissertation Plan

Next steps:

1. Research theory on liberal interventionism / idealism / American interventionism / Middle East politics. Also research any opposing theories. There will be arguments that liberal interventionism works and that it does not work. Evaluate the arguments that are said on each side, and evaluate them.
2. Create an argument based on your readings (e.g. liberal interventionism will not work in the Middle East because of xyz)
3. How can you test your argument? Create a methodology.
4. Figure out how to structure your dissertation.

Readings:

1. You should have about 10 sources as core readings
2. Much of your literature should come from the Middle East Politics module
3. Look into books by Ahmed Rashid he is from Pakistan he wrote to many books about USA intervention Afghanistan. What references did he use on this subject?
4. Might benefit and research on US policy

Other tips:

• Remember to be objective. You will not evaluate whether liberal interventionism is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Instead, you will evaluate it against objective criteria (e.g. the aims of liberal interventionism) or the plan that was set out.
• Main topic is intervention. But you may talk about peacekeeping as you go deeper into the project.

Note: I want to have my proposal before on 30 January. If you anything is not clear please send me email.

Assessment Criteria

The dissertation is assessed according to the following criteria, with credit given to the extent that:

• the research question is well-defined, and contextualised;
• an argument is specified, coherently presented and supported by evidence;
• alternative arguments are analysed;
• the approach is critical, not descriptive;
• a relevant methodology is employed;
• relevant sources have been consulted;
• knowledge of relevant literature, issues and debates is demonstrated; and
• the style and presentation is clear and careful, and appropriate academic conventions have been observed.

Marking Schema

The pass mark for the dissertation is 50. Dissertations written for courses or during examinations are marked according to the schema:

0-29: A totally inadequate dissertation, which does not specify a research question, fails to present an argument, is largely descriptive, shows little or no knowledge of the topic, or its intellectual context, does not refer adequately to the relevant literature, fails to follow an appropriate methodology, and is shoddily presented

30-39: An inadequate dissertation, which fails to identify a research question adequately, does not present a clear argument, includes some relevant material, but does not evidence of sufficient reading and is overly descriptive

40-49: A poor dissertation, which identifies a research question, states an argument, shows some knowledge of the literature and addresses the question, but does not sustain the argument, is overly descriptive, and lacks originality, sufficient knowledge of the relevant literature, issues and debates, and organisation.

50-59: A satisfactory dissertation, which defines a research question adequately, makes an argument, shows an awareness of the major issues, shows some knowledge of the sources and of alternative approaches to the subject, but does not adequately develop or sustain the argument, does not show a clear understanding of alternative arguments, and makes uncritical use of sources.

60-69: A good dissertation, which offers a precise specification of the research question, presents a clear and coherent argument that is well-substantiated by evidence, treats the issues in a critical and balanced way, shows an awareness of context, sources and different explanations, and achieves a high standard of presentation

70-79: A dissertation of distinction quality, which addresses a well-defined research question, displays exceptional knowledge of the literature and/or a substantial measure of originality, and achieves a high standard of presentation.

80-100: A dissertation of distinction quality, which is outstanding in virtually all areas of a calibre far beyond what would be expected at this level. Contains substantial evidence of original and independent thought.

Some Tips on Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation

A dissertation should address a well-defined research question, specified at the outset. It should present a logically developed argument, the clai