You are to write a short paper analyzing a territorial dispute between two states (i.e., a border
dispute), between an ethnic group and a state, or between ethnic groups with competing
territorial ambitions. The paper should provide an overview of the dispute and should address
the following matters:
1. Why is the territory in dispute?
2. What arguments do each of the involved parties advance to justify their claims to the
territory?
3. What historical/geographical circumstances help explain why the parties involved
believe they have a legitimate claim to the territory in dispute?
4. Any thoughts you have about the claims being made by the parties to the dispute.
Your paper should not simply be a chronology of the dispute. Instead, your paper should link to
the themes of the class by providing an analysis of the political geographic arrangements and the
territorial circumstances and ideas that gave rise to the dispute you choose to analyze. Your
essay should be around 6-7 typewritten pages (double spaced). Be sure to include maps and a
bibliography (not counted toward your length target). Your bibliography should include at least
six sources, with a minimum of three coming from sources available not solely on the internet.
Writing counts, so take the time to read over your essay after you write it so that it is
grammatically correct and clear.
Grading Rubric
The exercise counts for 30% of the grade and is worth 30 points. In grading, I start from a base
of 28 and then add or subtract points in keeping with the guidelines that follow.
+1-2 Strong research and analytical effort, a clear argument explaining why the territory is in
dispute, considerable thoughtfulness/care in writing
+/- 0 A basically well organized and well researched essay that provides a reasonable
explanation of why a given territory is in dispute
-1 Decent research and some analytical points, but a bit disjointed or some gaps in reasoning
-2-3 Some effort at analysis, but somewhat thin and/or somewhat superficially researched
-4-5 Largely descriptive; evidence of lack of careful research.
-6-7 Simplistic description; limited research
-8 Entirely descriptive, evidence of limited effort and/or quick, sloppy research
Also
on any essay that lacks the requisite number of references
up to 1 point off for poor writing
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