IDS Lecture 10/13

Position Paper Guidelines

  • Question Posed: Should the US resume its role as a global leader?

    • Responses Possibilities:

    • Yes

    • No

    • It depends

    • Emphasis on the need for a defensible position, supporting the chosen answer with evidence.

Paper Writing Requirements

  • Format:

    • Maximum of four typed pages

    • Double spaced, Times New Roman font

    • 250 words per page, maximum of 1000 words

  • Content:

    • Complete sentences; no bullet points allowed

    • Consideration for oral presentation; aims for clarity and effective communication.

Source Citation Standards

  • Text Requirements:

    • Must use at least two required texts appropriately cited.

    • Incorrect citation negates the source's validity.

  • Stylistic Guidelines:

    • Recommended use of the ASA (American Sociological Association) style guide.

    • In-text citations format: (Author Year Page Number)

    • Must include a bibliography of all cited works in one consistent format.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Focus on Distinct Argument:

    • Expectation for a personal point of view that can be supported orally.

    • Avoid using personal pronouns (e.g., “I” or “we”).

    • Excellent papers connect ideas across readings and lectures, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding.

Working Sessions and Deadlines

  • Paper Submission:

    • Deadline for draft submission: October 20, Monday, by 5 PM.

    • Working sessions will occur to practice and refine essays.

  • Presentation Opportunity:

    • Selected students will present key points in class.

    • Self-nomination is permitted.

    • Each presenter allotted 8 minutes for presentation without slides, focusing strictly on script and oral delivery.

Audience Considerations

  • Understanding the Audience:

    • Targeted audience is peers in the class.

    • Tone must be clear, engaging, and appropriate for an academic yet conversational setting.

  • Engagement Techniques:

    • Use anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, or vivid imagery to establish connection.

    • Aim to spark discussions while backing arguments with solid evidence.

Writing Structure Recommendations

  • Storytelling Approach:

    • Begin with a hook to captivate the audience.

    • Establish a personal connection to the topic or your rationale for writing.

    • Provide substantive examples that support your argument, ideally with a fresh take on the issue.

    • Conclude by challenging the audience to consider future possibilities or solutions.

    • Emphasize that effective writing is rooted in clear thinking; the process often leads to unexpected insights.

Tone and Style Guidance

  • Desired Tone:

    • Aim for clarity and accessibility rather than overly technical jargon.

    • Presenting ideas as if in an op-ed format allows for a compelling expression of your views.

  • Avoiding Academic Jargon:

    • Clear language is crucial; ensure concepts are defined plainly without unnecessary references to academic figures unless explained.

    • Balance thoroughness with readability to maintain audience engagement.

World Bank and Development Models

  • Overview of the World Bank's Evolution:

    • Transitioned from the conservative infrastructure lender post-World War II to becoming a major player in global development financing.

    • Under leadership figures like Robert McNamara, it focused on integrating financial expertise into development policies.

  • Financial Strategies:

    • Usage of bonds to attract private capital for loans to developing countries, primarily focused on infrastructure projects, with adaptability to other forms depending on market conditions.

Risks in Financialized Development

  • Deficit Ideologies:

    • Operating on a deficit can lead to reliance on loans instead of solid capital, raising concerns about sustainable development.

  • Expertise and Accountability:

    • Critique of the top-down approach, where external expertise offered by bodies such as the World Bank may not address local needs or contexts appropriately.

Microfinance Contextualization

  • Financial Inclusion vs. Risks:

    • While financial inclusion aims to integrate marginalized groups into capital markets, this integration can introduce risks, including debt dependency.

    • Examination of microfinance's role in both empowerment and potential predatory practices, where borrowers may face high-interest rates and unmanageable debts.

    • Notion that access to credit does not guarantee sustainable economic improvement.

Historical Context of Development Practices

  • Evolution of Development Definitions:

    • Shifts from state-led industrialization in the mid-20th century to neoliberal approaches emphasizing market-led growth.

    • Importance of understanding past practices such as structural adjustment and how they inform the current development landscape.

  • Neoliberalism Defined:

    • Characterized by prioritizing free market principles over state intervention, suggesting that market operations are inherently more effective for economic well-being.

Conclusion on Development Practices

  • Continual Evolution:

    • Understanding the frameworks of financialized development is crucial to critique modern practices, ensuring they don't replicate past failures while aiming for genuine progress.

  • Call to action for critical evaluations of current development schemes using contextual insights from historical policies.