For this class, you are expected to write two short course papers in response to three discussion prompts that will be released over the course of the semester. If you already wrote two papers, your paper writing for this class is done. However, if you didn’t write about both of the other topics, you should write about this option dealing with interpretive understandings of international relations (Module 9). The topics are being released as they are to discourage collaborative cheating. Once the deadline for a paper passes by more than two hours, late papers will only be accepted if there is a verifiable, compelling, significant, and unexpected reason or if a 20-point late penalty is imposed.
Paper prompt: For this assignment, watch the video and reflect on it with respect to material covered in Module 9, focusing especially on constructivism. It might be helpful to review your notes on constructivism prior to watching the video. In your paper, be sure in your discussion to explain 1) what constructivism is, and 2) explain and apply the following constructivist concepts to the video: identity, institutionalized intersubjectivity, structure, rules or norms, agents, and the logic of appropriateness. In other words, show how each of these concepts relate to the material discussed in the video. Relatedly, 3) discuss the relevance of thinkers such as Durkheim, Weber, Kratchowil, & Adler, or Wendt, if they are appropriate. Finally, 4) how might a feminist perspective be used.
Video Note: While the video is several years old, it still conveys fundamental differences in Israeli society. That being said, many of the particulars involving Ultra-Orthodox military service appear to be changing as we speak on the ground in Israel in response to the war in Gaza. Can Israel’s ultra-Orthodox military volunteers help defuse the battle over conscription? | ReutersLinks to an external site.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to address those changes in your paper. You are free to merely reflect on the particulars covered in the video. Since some of the terms of this video are Hebrew words, you can see how they are spelled in English by turning on the closed captioning function. Some of those words include the words Haredi and Netzah Yehuda Battalion. Any services or products that appear in YouTube are not endorsed by the instructor or the UCF School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs.
(1865) The Ultra Orthodox vs. The IDF: Israel’s Other Religious War – YouTube Links to an external site.
Papers should have a) a title page with your name and the word count for the main text only, b) be between 1,000-1,100 words in length, and c) cite relevant assigned course materials to support your analysis. While other academic sources can be used such as an academic journal article or book, you are not required to do so. Course materials (textbook, videos, etc.) and any other sources should be appropriately cited using Chicago Style when referring to either course concepts or facts that are not common knowledge. Include a references page at the end that is not included in your 1,000-1,100-word limit. Papers should use 12-point font, double-spacing and 1-inch margins with page numbers inserted.
Paul Viotti and Mark Kauppi. 2020. International Relations Theory. 6th Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
