IPE 111

      The Beautiful Game

      Essay #2  Spring 2010

       Does Soccer Explain the World?

 

 

In the Prologue (pp. 1-6), Franklin Foer' expains why he wrote his book How Soccer Explains the World: an {unlikely} theory of globalization and what he believes he has learned about soccer (and the world) in the process.  Please read the Prologue because it directly or indirectly addresses many issues we have studied in the first half of the class.

 

Your assignment in this essay is to present a thoughtful critique of Foer's argument as presented in the Prologue. Your essay should address three questions:

  • What is Foer's argument? Provide evidence to support his argument from class, including readings (including but not limited to Foer), videos and class discussions. Be sure to consider your soccer identity research as a potential source of evidence.

  • Is Foer right? Present an effective critique of his argument, including counter-evidence taken from the class.

  • What is your opinion about globalization and soccer? Explain and provide supporting evidence.

  • Try to construct your paper so that your opinion is the thesis, which you develop both directly and through  your analysis of Foer's argument and readings from throughout the class so far.

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Guidelines for this assignment:

·        Length: no more than four single-spaced pages (approx 2000 words) plus required bibliography.

·        Format:  Single-spaced with an extra line between paragraphs.  Academic papers like this one need to include proper citations.  The preferred format for this class is the Chicago footnote/bibliography style (you can find information about this reference style here ). Goldblatt uses the Chicago format, so use his reference technique as a model.

·       Deadline:  This assignment is due at the start of class on Thursday, March 11, 2010 (this is one day later than the deadline listed on the syllabus). No electronic papers will be accepted -- you must turn in a printed copy at the start of class. Late papers are penalized 5 points per day (this penalty may be waived under exceptional circumstances at the professor's discretion).

 

Grading information:  My standard grading framework for essays is:

 

  • Argument (40%).  This grade is based on the strength and clarity of your thesis and the argument that you mobilize to advance your thesis.

 

  • Evidence (30%).  This grade is based on your ability to support your argument with supporting evidence.  Hint:  When you use direct quotes, be use to use them to support your argument (as evidence) do not use them to make your argument (that is your job).

 

  • Writing (30%).  Writing should be clear and free of writing errors or mistakes in making academic citations.  The paper should be well organized, which means it should be organized around your argument.  You may use either first person or third person.

 

 

These materials are intended for the exclusive use of my students at the University of Puget Sound.  No other use is authorized.