Midterm Exam
Directions
Your midterm exam will consist of one essay question (from a choice of two) and
will cover the material we have studied thus far. This is an open-note (but closed
colleague) exam, and all work must be your own. You are required to integrate
course materials in your response. You are also encouraged to draw on credible
outside sources to supplement your answers, though these are not required for
successful completion of the exam. Your answer must state your thesis and be
supported with relevant information (including specific examples, material from
assigned course readings, material from other online course resources, and/or
credible outside sources that you have identified on your own).
The following essay prompts will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of
the theoretical concepts and past and present realities in topics in international
relations. Your conclusions should follow logically from the information you have
presented in your essay. Any quotations, specific information, and ideas drawn
from outside sources (include course materials) must be cited and referenced in
APA format or some other standard citation format.
Your essay should be between 1,000-1,500 words in length, not including
references. It should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and in a 12-point font.
Be sure your essay includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Cite sources and
provide proper references. As you compose your work, save it frequently. Be sure
to check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors before you
upload it; the writing quality and polish in your submitted essays counts.
Your essay will be graded on a 100-point scale. Your essay will be evaluated based
on evidence of critical thinking and analysis, integration of course concepts,
evidence of mastery of course concepts, accuracy of the information provided, essay
organization, and quality of writing (including proper citation of sources).
Note: Any plagiarized essays will result in an âFâ for the assignment.
2
Essay Prompt #1
Read the news article below on the gender gap in cybersecurity. First, comment on
how the cyber domain changes the ways in which we should be thinking about
security. Then consider the international relations theories we have studied thus
far. Drawing on those traditions, offer explanations for the gender difference in the
cybersecurity field. In your response, reference the ideas of at least two theories,
including at least one critical approach (or you may compare and contrast two
critical approaches, such as two different strands of feminism). In your opinion, do
your chosen theories provide a useful framework for thinking about this issue? Why
or why not? Furthermore, what might be the implications for national security of
this gender gap in cybersecurity? And what can be done? In a brief essay, offer your
analysis and at least two recommendations for whether and how to address this
gender gap. In your essay, be sure to cite course readings and other sources as
appropriate.
Essay Prompt #2
Read the article below, from the British international affairs magazine, The
Economist, on torture. Consider the ethical traditions we have studied in this course.
Discuss how two of the ethical traditions that we have studied would either justify
or condemn the practice of torture. Under what conditions is torture justified, if
ever? Comment on the specific issue of whether the US government should ever
condone the use of torture by US employees (in the military, CIA, etc.) in the war on
terrorism or any other theater of war. Present your ideas and argument in an
analytical essay that includes an introduction (with thesis), supporting body
paragraphs, and conclusion. In your answer, be sure to cite course readings and
other sources as appropriate.
