Each student will choose one of the topics discussed or debated in class, however you must not write your paper on the same topic that you addressed in your debate. For example, if your team engaged in a debate on the Gates Foundation, then your Research Paper must be on a different topic.
Your paper will be written as an argumentative essay in which you will: a) demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives on a global health governance and leadership issue; b) take your own position with a thesis statement (based on your conclusion after having completed your research); and c) support your thesis statement through a critical analysis of the literature that may include a case study. Assignments will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the mechanisms of global health institutions and strategies of global health leadership in addressing your topic;
- Analyze how global power/authority operates in health governance and leadership on this topic;
- Demonstrate independent research of academic sources through an analysis of a situation (case study) where this topic is being successfully (or unsuccessfully) addressed in global politics. A case study may include: an international institution establishing norms and protocols, the provision of a health service, a community-based organization conducting a public education program, etc.;
- Demonstrate an understanding of theories and case studies in course materials about global health governance and leadership (the assigned readings, lectures, and in-class videos on the essay topic);
- Independently research a minimum of six academic sources on the essay topic;
- Synthesize the independently researched academic sources analysed throughout essay;
- Please avoid outright advocacy of a position before you have completed your research, otherwise your analysis will appear biased. Instead, after conducting and concluding your research, you will be in a position to indicate where the preponderance of the evidence lies, which you indicate in your thesis statement.
- Essay format: introduction, thesis at the end of your first or second paragraph in the introduction, theoretical lens used to analyse your topic, organization of paragraphs, conclusion, bibliography
- Essay length: eight pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font; the reference list is not included in the eight pages.
- Grammar, citation format, and writing prose will be graded. Please re-read and proof-read your paper several times to edit for grammar and elegance of prose. Improving your writing skills is an important course learning goal and is foundational throughout your career.
The 6-page critical essay on a topic concerning global health governance is expected to demonstrate knowledge of concepts learned in the course, clarity, and offer a critical lens. Students must choose a topic and may submit a 1-page summary (that will not be graded) of their proposed topic to the course instructor for review and comment. Relevant literature should be cited and synthesized. References should be provided in APA or another format, but please be consistent.
The critical essay should include the following elements:
1) What is the global health policy issue?
2) Identify your thesis statement;
3) Identify the theory that guides your analysis;
4) Which organizations and actors are involved in addressing the issue ie. who is represented in determining the issue? Who is excluded? How does this affect the manner in which the issue is portrayed and resolved?
5) What are the tools or instruments that may be leveraged to address the global health issue? What is the evidence supporting these solutions? To what extent have they be used and found to be successful?
6) What are the challenges in implementing global actions to respond to this problem?
7) To what extent do those actions address social determinants of health and health equity?
8) Do those actions have an impact on health systems?
9) What needs to be improved?
You will discuss your chosen issue, and make a case regarding the issue, taking into account related extenuating aspects that could suggest uncertainty. Consider your research paper similar to your debate, except that you will need to ensure that you present a balanced perspective, rather than arguing for one side only. You will still likely lean toward one perspective on the issue, however, it is important to raise aspects that could be brought up from an alternative perspective, so that the analysis is balanced. Please do not engage solely in advocacy. By offering a balanced perspective, you understand the strengths and weaknesses of addressing an issue in a particular way and arrive at a position only after having completed your analysis of different perspectives.
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