Write an essay in response to the following statement:
Technological change has deepened globalisation and weakened the relevance of the nation state.
Your written response must be grounded in a specific context (that is covered in the course), such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of Big Tech, US-China trade war, or the Smart Nation initiative. *If you wish to use a different context, please consult your instructor before proceeding.
Your written response must have a clear position or argument (either agree, disagree, or agree/disagree to a certain extent), which must be supported by relevant evidence with proper citations. The essay must also engage with the concepts of globalisation, technology and the nation-state.
Your essay will be assessed on the following criteria:
Defining the argument and discussion of relevant issues (40 marks)
Define your argument (i.e. your position and/or claims in response to the statement) clearly.
Your argument must identify and discuss issues concerning globalisation, technology and the nation-state in a specific context. In doing so, you must also describe and explain how the issues and context are relevant to your overarching argument.
Development of claims in support of the argument (40 marks)
Develop your argument logically by illustrating your claims clearly with relevant and accurate information.
Writing (20 marks)
Research and write a coherent and well-integrated essay.
Ensure proper grammar, spelling, sentence structure, adherence to style guidelines, and proper citations of sources.
Suggested Approach
The essay is an argument in written form. Hence, the essay has to be organised to allow the argument to be clear and coherent to the essay’s reader, and it has to adopt basic formality, i.e. presented in whole and structured sentences.
The core components of the essay are:
Introduction. Usually in one paragraph. States your response, with a brief outline of the supporting reasons or rationale for taking the position you have chosen. *Make sure your stated position directly addresses the question asked.
Example: I agree that technological advancements has deepened globalising trends at the expense of nation-states. This is because of Reasons 1, 2 and 3 (which usually includes an outline of the issues and concepts you want to discuss).
Body. Paragraphs developing your outlined reasons or rationale in the introductory paragraph, with relevant and clearly substantiated examples. The PEEL principle may be useful to follow:
Point (specific point / argument you want to make)
Providing an Example for that point or argument
Explaining why the example is relevant to the point / argument you are making, and
Link it back to your overarching argument your essay is making.
Conclusion. Usually in one paragraph, which reiterates your position. Can also be used as a space for reflection on the broader themes that your specific examples engaged with in the essay.
Other Pointers
Start early, and read as much as you can. Draft and re-draft as much as your schedule allows you to do so. We sometimes think or re-think as we write.
When writing, keep in mind your audience (which in this case, is an instructor with multiple essays to grade). Clear and precise language goes a long way in helping the audience understand your argument without difficulty.
When in doubt, ask your instructor to clarify.Style Guidelines
Page Limit. Your article should not be longer than two pages (excluding bibliography), 1.5 paragraph line spacing, at least one-inch page margins, font size 12, and Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial font
