Activity 1 - What is the nature of power?

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Activity Tasks

1. Concept-map - Create a concept-map using A3 paper or online using Padlet or Bubbl.us. Write the concept of ‘power’ in the middle of the concept map. Then add details about the concept from what you have learnt in this topic so far. Use the following headings if you are stuck:
   1. ​​Definitions - of power
   2. Types of Power - hard, soft, smart/hybrid
   3. Forms of Power - economic, military, social, cultural, political, structural, relational, cyber
   4. Measuring Power - resources, behaviour outcomes, distribution of power
   5. Theories of Power - realism, liberalism, critical

Activity 2 - How are essays assessed?

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Activity Tasks

1. Analyse - Examine this copy of the Paper 2 markscheme. With a partner, discuss what you need to do to achieve a level 7 for each of the four criteria. For each point, give an example of what it might look like in an essay.
2. Read - In pairs, you will both work to analyse and mark two essays. One person should start with Essay 1, the other person with Essay 2. Both are for the question, “Examine the claim that economically powerful states are able to manipulate global governance institutions to their advantage.”
3. Identify - As you read, use a different coloured highlighter to identify examples of the four assessment criteria throughout the essay:
   1. Demands of the Question - Demands and implications of the question are addressed
   2. Focus and Structure - A very well structured and balanced response
   3. Knowledge and Understanding - Comprehensive knowledge and in-depth understanding applied consistently and effectively; examples integrated; A very good grasp of the key concepts
   4. Analysis and Evaluation - All the main points are justified; Arguments are clear, coherent and compelling; Counterclaims and different perspectives are explored and evaluated
4. ​Discuss - Once you have finished, discuss which mark and level you would assign for each essay. Be prepared to justify your marking! ​

Activity 3 - How should we plan essays?

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Activity Tasks

1. Examine - Download the essay task sheet and read the instructions for the essay question: "Discuss the claim that power in global politics is mostly exercised through the use of force and threats".
2. Think/Pair/Share - Examine the essay question and underline the command word and any other key concepts or key words. With a partner, try to define each of these and share your definitions with the class for: Discuss; Power; Use of Force; Threats

​Activity 4 - Where can we find evidence?

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Activity Tasks

1. ​Research - Next research some contemporary real world examples and case studies you could use as evidence to explore the question claim and its counterclaim. Make a note of key facts, statistics, quotations and any other evidence that could be used to illustrate your points. Use the research links page here to begin your research, or try using some of the following selected sources:
2. Question Claim - Power is exercised through force and threats:
   1. E-IR - War with China: Ascending powers, Expansionism and the Use of Force
   2. E-IR - The Effectiveness of Soft and Hard Power in Contemporary International Relations 
   3. Geopolitical Futures - Hard Power is Still King
   4. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - Importance of Hard Power 
   5. Brookings Institute - Continuity and Change: China’s Attitude toward Hard Power and Soft Power
   6. Foreign Policy - The Rise and Fall of Soft Power
   7. SCMP - China is putting troops on South China Sea Islands
   8. SCMP - US set to stage more military drills in South China Sea
   9. E-IR - Interpreting the Rise of China: Realist and Liberalist Perspectives
3. Counter Claims - Power isn’t always or shouldn’t have to be exercised through force or threats:
   1. The Guardian - Why military power is no longer enough 
   2. Council on Foreign Relations - China’s Big Bet on Soft Power
   3. National Interest - China’s New Soft Power Showdown 
   4. Global Research - US Soft Power: How to Dominate without the use of force 
   5. Al-Jazeera - Has Economic Power Replaced Military Might? 
   6. British Council - How Soft Power can help meet international challenges 
   7. Foreign Policy - China’s South China Sea Militarisation has Peaked
   8. Japan Uncovered - Soft Power & Foreign Policy in 21st Century International Affairs
   9. The Diplomat - 21st Century Asian Soft Power
      
4. Record - Decide upon a method to record your essay research. You could use your Padlet or Bubbl.us to add your research to a mind-map or concept-map. Alternatively, you could simply record the research on a Google Doc.
5. References - Make sure you collate a ‘reference list’ of sources you use, using the APA citation style.

Activity 5 - How can we evaluate claims?

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Activity Tasks

1. Review - Examine these four steps for evaluating counterclaims. Then with a partner, review this claim: “It is evident that Nansen is by far the worst house in Island School”. Or any other factually correct statement such as that. What evidence is there for that claim? What counter-claim could we offer?
   1. Therefore... - give your conclusion
   2. However... - introduce counterclaim
   3. Yet... - critique and refute counterclaim
2. ​Reorder - Next, reorganise your research into points that either support the question claim, or support counter-claims to the question:

Activity 6 - How can we structure essays?

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Activity Tasks

1. Planning - Use this essay planning sheet to begin planning your essay. 
2. Thesis - Using your research notes, begin by writing out your thesis statement and the 3-4 arguments that you will examine in your body paragraphs.
3. Introduction - Complete your introduction by explaining the context and scope of your essay.
4. Main Body - Write out each your body paragraphs using PEAL method.
5. Conclusion - Finally, write your final conclusion. Remember to summarise the main points, restate your thesis, and discuss implications of your thesis.
   

Activity 7 - Reflection: The Nature of Power

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Activity Tasks

1. Concept Map - Return to the concept-map (Padlet or other format) that you have been developing throughout this topic. Make sure you have organised revision notes developed for this topic. Use the following headings to structure your notes on the concepts:
   1. ​Statement of Inquiry - Power is expressed in relationships between actors, and works differently according to the system it operates in
   2. Key Concept - Systems
   3. Related Concept - Power
   4. Global Context - Identities & Relationships
2. Discuss - With a partner, discuss whether you agree or disagree with the statement of inquiry, and try to think of at least one or two real world examples to help you illustrate your opinion:
   1. “Power is expressed in relationships between actors”
   2. “Power works differently according to the system it operates in”
3. ​Wonder - On a post-in note, write 1-2 questions about the topic that you would like to have answered. Think about gaps in your understanding of power, or things you would like to find out more about. Share your ideas with the class.

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