Choosing a Topic for The Concord Review:
The Beyond English Approach
by David Scott Lewis, Qingdao, CHINA
Much has changed at Beyond English since I wrote my last piece for the The Concord Review blog two years ago. These days, our program tends to be far more focused on issues related to public international law, international relations, ethics, and moral philosophy. We now also place greater emphasis on our three core Advanced Placement courses (aligned to match the "redesigned'' SAT), as well as the over twenty other AP courses that we offer. While the essays that my students generate through our Beyond English Capstone project—like all those essays published in TCR—all exceed a high school performance level, they vary broadly in topic and complexity level.
TCR has published several superb essays on court cases, such as Loving v. Virginia and Tape v. Hurley. I encourage my students to follow in the footsteps of these laudable authors by crafting theses related to court cases, yet I diverge in one essential way: my students must consider cases pertaining particularly to international law. No Roe v. Wade or Plessy v. Ferguson for my students, only international cases, such as the trial of Charles Taylor or the Tokyo Tribunals.
I advise my best students to address cases that are familiar to practitioners within specific areas of international law like international humanitarian law, but that are not necessarily notable in the broader field of international law. Thus, cases such as those involving executive powers, refugees, and asylum seekers—certainly a relevant topic these days—prove suitable. The critical thinking required is akin to the scholarly work produced by a Master of Laws (LLM). These students write and think at such an advanced level that they might easily skip undergraduate coursework altogether and go directly into law school; after all, an LLM program follows a JD (United States) or LLB (United Kingdom). Such students would excel in undergraduate law studies at Oxbridge, for example.
Some students will choose to address topics that require a slightly lower level of research and writing ability; after all, not every high school student is ready for direct entrance into an elite law school. Such students consider cases that have broader applicability and are well known to the majority of international lawyers. Yet, the typical attorney working in a local or national context would likely remain unfamiliar with such cases. A case at this level might include an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution. Such cases often have wide-ranging impacts and much broader relevance than the aforementioned specialized cases. In general, I tend to recommend these cases to my more advanced students instead of the aforementioned specialized cases since those cases might require an exceedingly high level of background knowledge. This type of international law essay is similar to the work required of second- or third-year law school students (2Ls or 3Ls), and comprises major writing projects only differentiated from those of law students by their shorter length. Accordingly, Beyond English has adopted a process for selecting substantial writing topics that was originally developed at NYU Law.
At the next level down, one finds topical essays related to public international law. Fitting examples of subjects at this level include a biography of Hugo Grotius or an essay on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The problem with these more general topics is that their popularity often makes it difficult for students to develop novel ideas and innovative theses. The complexity of these essays makes them comparable to those developed at an advanced undergraduate level, such as senior theses.
The papers that require the least amount of effort and thought for my students are those that relate to extremely broad topics in public international law. In such cases, students are generally not attempting to present innovative ideas but to instead raise awareness about topics that have never previously been addressed in The Concord Review. Some examples of this type of paper include essays on the history of the ICC or the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. A fine line exists, however, between papers of this type and the slightly more difficult papers discussed in the preceding paragraph. The complexity of this type of essay may be evaluated at a senior high school or freshman undergraduate level. Furthermore, these papers tend to be shorter, generally fewer than 6,000 words, and yet still exceed the AP Capstone and IB Diploma extended essay requirements. While shorter, these topics often provide an essential advantage over the standard fare of many IB Diploma extended essays by demonstrating a higher level of maturity. Take, for example, an essay on the Special Tribunal for Cambodia (officially the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia) that investigated the mass atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by the Khmer Rouge in their infamous ''Killing Fields.'' In my opinion, such a topic should be considered more mature than most of those addressed in IB Diploma or AP Capstone extended essays.
To date, the majority of my students have chosen to write topical essays; the highest-level papers this year were written on international law in the Qing dynasty (Zihang Liu), the history of Amnesty International (Yingying He), and, my favorite, the territorial history of the South China Sea (Yuren Pang). The final topic is particularly relevant given current disputes over sovereignty in the South China Sea. (Spoiler alert: The claims made by Beijing are not supported by history.) In my opinion, if a student is not referencing at least fifteen books and a few dozen peer-reviewed journal articles, they have not done their homework.
There are two key reasons for requiring that my students engage with legal texts, whether case law or law review articles. First, such engagement develops a student’s critical thinking skills. Second, such a level of study greatly enhances a student’s vocabulary. In an age when global education is so highly regarded, it is essential that students exceed the standard fare of typical cases covered in AP U.S. Government & Politics (a Beyond English core AP) and develop topics with a greater international focus. Abortion, civil rights, and same-sex marriage are important topics; however, in this author's opinion, the issues addressed in such cases pale in comparison to cases regarding genocide, crimes against humanity, and state-sponsored rape. Think The Prosecutor v. Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir. Mature topics related to international law provide far richer areas for research that enable students to demonstrate the highest level of critical thinking.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat Article Conference Paper Writing Services projects for cse JavaScript Training in Chennai JavaScript Training in Chennai
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteThis is sophia miller, Thanks for Sharing.
Get the Best Assignment help in Australia.
Hello
ReplyDeleteMy name is Chris Paul and This is a very nice post, Thanks for Sharing.
Get the Best Of Assignment help in Australia.
Hello
ReplyDeleteMy name is Alena Carter and This is a very nice post, Thanks for Sharing.
Best Web and Mobile Application solution provider Locus Rags in India.
Student Assignment Help has several qualified experts and researchers who holds expertise in different subjects who are is here to lighten your burden by offering top-notch assignment services. We always ready to work on the student request who asking Write my assignment for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is Ronnie louis, Thanks for Sharing this.
ReplyDeletenetwork information security assignment help
Hello
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jacob Parker and This is a very nice post, Thanks for Sharing.
Web and Application Solution Provider IT Company LOCUS RAGS in India.
ReplyDeleteiphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
Get the assignment help UK as offered by the assignment writing experts of UK assignment support from AbAssignmentHelp. They are excellent in this field, make sure to give a chance to serve.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the useful and informative information, i like your all articles. i am also a blogger, writing different - different topics. If you are interested to reading my website articles, please read once - Finance Assignment Help
ReplyDeleteI loved the article, keep updating interesting articles. I will be a regular reader…know about anveshi jain.
ReplyDeletemba
ReplyDeletebcom
bachelor of law
llb academic
post graduate diploma in computer application
blib
ba full forrm
A high-level post with a piece of knowledgeable information.Thank you for sharing such information.
ReplyDeleteif you need any academic level Assignment Help at reliable quality with better work.
kindly visit us or WhatsApp +61 2 80113341
great post to read
ReplyDeletegreat post to read
great post to read
great post to read
great post to read
great post to read
Here Assignment Help in Melbourne provide 24x7 Online assignment writing Services in Melbourne by Best Australian PhD Writers.
ReplyDeleteISBM University is a new-age university committed to provide innovative learning programs like Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, Executive Master of Business Administration, Bachelors in Commerce , Diploma In Business Administration , Bachelors in Business Administration,Bachelor of Science in Computer Science , Diploma in Computer Application, Bachelor in Computer Application and Post Graduation Diploma in Computer Application to meet the requirements of the industry. ISBM University programs are research-driven, skill-based and knowledge-intensive.
ReplyDeleteLooking for the best IT companies in all over the world, Find the No.1 Directory Topxlisting and find the largest number on IT companies.
ReplyDeletea2z life style
ReplyDeleteThe most common screen filter used in compounding is called a MCE Membrane Filter
ReplyDeleteIn terms of structure, membrane filters are thin microporous sheets made from a variety of plastics. Membrane filters must have a nominal pore size of 0.22 microns or less if they are to be used for sterilization.
Get best assignment help Australia from idealassignmenthelp at the best price. We provide the most effective custom online assignment writing services in sydney, Australia from well professional writers at cheap costs. If you would like to get assignment help service for Australian Students then you have to contact with us and get the most effective assignment help. You have also visit our web site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sharing! The information your share is very useful to me and many people are looking for them just like me!
ReplyDeleteCheap sex doll
Sex dolls Benefits
Female sex dolls
sex doll
Very Nice Blog! This Blog is Totally Informative About Buy Assignment Online Services In Australia. If You Are Looking For Buy Assignment Online Services Provider Then You Should Definitely Go For myassignmenthelpau.
ReplyDeleteFind the best selection of cheap women shoes online and shoes in bulk here at alilyloveaffair store. We carry a wide range of women’s sandals online including high heels, casual wear , winter wear, formal shoes , sports shoes etc.
ReplyDeleteI suggest all members choose online quiz help Australia for the best guideline in your academia. The perfect and expert assistant your requirement and learning assignment project by the university.
ReplyDeleteExcellent information Providing by your Article, thank you for taking the time to share with us such a nice article. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists. Kindly visit the LiveWebTutors website we providing the best assignment help services in Australia.
ReplyDeleteFor More Info: University Assignment Help
Very informative and well-written post! Quite an interesting and nice topic chosen for the post. My Assignment help Au has been a pioneer within the Best Assignment Help on-line services and within Australia and different countries ceaselessly for over Seven years. Make an order now for professional work, delivered on time and pure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.This is a very informative post.Best Toddler New JerseyToddlers considered children that range from 1 year to 4 years of age,
ReplyDeletethough others may have different definitions of these terms.
Thanks for the information.This is a very informative post.Child Education Services Center New Jersey Child Education Services Center New Jersey helping them overcome poverty. Education is as important as this because education gives people the knowledge and skills they require.Without it, many children remain trapped in a life of poverty and hardship.
ReplyDeleteGet construction loans at lowest interest rates. We are the bestConstruction loan broker in Canada, Free advice and Free assistance is available.
ReplyDeleteFree & easy online application process, Get free advice from Mortgage Broker
And get free advice about best new construction loans as well.
My self, William Smith Associated with Livewebtutors.com. Which Is Known as A Renowned Assignment Help Australia Company. I Have Been Working as A Full-Time Academic Consultant from Last Ten Years. Livewebtutors.Com Is an Experienced and Highly Reputable All Assignment Help Provider in Australia, Specialized in Academic Writing. We Offer High-Quality Service and Supply Free Plagiarism Report for All Assignments and Best Price.
ReplyDeleteRummy rules at PlayRummy. Rummy game rules are simple! Learn what is rummy and rules of how to play online rummy and start winning cash prizes. Learn more with the help of our video. Go and experience fun and excitement with the Play Rummy App! We constantly strive to provide card game players with the best of online gaming.Download rummy game replicates the experience of playing on mobile.
ReplyDeleteWedding photographer in india
ReplyDeleteGet great deals for Wedding photographer in indiaChoose from largest collection of Wedding photographer in india
Wedding photographer in india
ReplyDeleteGet great deals for Wedding photographer in indiaChoose from largest collection of Wedding photographer in india
Doing Good work. Keet it Up - Checkout Our List Of Mi Upcoming Phones
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such informative info hope you keep sharing i personally recommend visiting entertainment company
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog i have never ever read this type of amazing information.
DeleteRegards,
Online Thesis Help
Hello, my name is Aadhira bedi. I want to share my company's information which is related to the movies and so many interesting information. Our company is based on uk
ReplyDelete1377xx, 7star hd movies, 9x movies, aatmanirbhar bharat, online doctor consultation, bolly share hd.
You getting it difficult to avail different Learning Solutions provider? Acadecraft will help you in being expertise with the latest e-learning software solutions. It's just, you think of it and we are there to help you.
ReplyDeleteAmazing blog. Thanks for sharing this insightful blog.
ReplyDeleteVery informative blog, and beautifully elaborating the complete information about the topic. We are from the same domain emerging as the top mobile app development company for versatile app creation services. You can email us at sales@appsquadz.com or Phone Number: +91-9717270746
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such an informative post, being a renowned web app development company we are willing to support local small businesses with web app development services to engage audiences.
ReplyDeleteMy Assignment Help online is the hand-picked assignment help company offering most reliable Assignment Help service to students residing in Australia. Our team of writers are available 24×7 to provide professional academic writing service for assignments, essays, coursework and many more.
ReplyDeleteBest essay writing service yahoo answers site:answers.yahoo.com I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteAt Assignment Studio, we have the best writers to assist you and provide you with case study writing assignment
ReplyDeleteCheck out our academic writing help services at Assignment Studio at low prices.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, students are attending regular lectures and prepare numerous projects. These projects make the aspirants overburdened by decreasing the scope of the candidates in sitting with ease. Thus, we have come with amazing quality online homework help solutions for distressing the aspirants by taking their burden on our head. So, you don’t have to think about it. Our Homework Help experts regularly engaged with experimenting activities for offering high-quality homework help services to you. our professional's homework help writers will there for you 24/7 and give you a fruitful solution to all your homework related needs. Let our expert handle all your home queries.
ReplyDeleteWe are a top rated University of Derby Assignment Help Online service here with experts specializing in a wide range of disciplines ensuring you get the assignments that score maximum grades.
ReplyDeleteGet all types of essay help from us. Check the details.
ReplyDeleteMy Assignment Help provides academic myassignmenthelp to students so that they can feel relax and focus on another important thing in their life. We have many professional experience content writers to provide you best for your work.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to get stressed anymore thinking about the assignments that you have to complete. We have a team of Online Assignment Help who are experienced and providing the best assistance to students with authentic content written from scratch.
ReplyDeleteI have read and acknowledged your post, you are amazing blogger. I would like to add some suggestions like if you will reach Web App Development you can get to know more ideas.
ReplyDeletewhen researchers take assignment writing help administration from us, they never need to concern in regards to the ideal accommodation of their reports. As our subject-situated gifted or neighborhood writers guarantee to give top notch coursework at a modest cost before the deadline thumps at the entryway. matlab assignment help
ReplyDeletecdr writing services
To get professional essay you must go for experts like DigitalEssay.net
ReplyDeleteTry using games orbit the setup above in ranked games to ensure that you will have an easier time winning each and every game. Mobile Legend: Karina's capabilities However, like other assassin ngobrol games heroes, Karina has 1 ability that is passive and 3 abilities that are active. In addition to this, his powers have a very high amount of damage. This is quite typical for a hero that possesses unique magical damage.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteNice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
online class advantage and disadvantage, BOOKS PDF DOWNLOAD
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website ? although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Also visit my website: 온라인카지노
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it.Cheers for the info!!!! & This is the perfect blog for anyone who wants to know about this topic. Also visit my website: 온라인카지노
ReplyDeleteIn your article, points caught my attention the most is how your prose, to give me a deep impression. Wish you would write more. good luck! Also visit my website: 카지노
ReplyDeleteVisit https://www.homeworkjoy.com/
ReplyDeleteشركة درة البيت
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف في دبي
شركة تنظيف في ام القيوين
شركة تنظيف في الفجيرة
شركة تنظيف في العين
شركة تنظيف خزانات الشارقة
شركة تنظيف في عجمان
The team behind our awesome assignment help USA service maintains strict policies against plagiarism. Collaborating with our writers by availing Assignment Help in United States will not only help you with your grades but also your essay assignment skill will be good.
ReplyDeleteOur primary motive is not only to provide you with the best Python Assignment Help but also to make your journey smooth. The increasing importance of writing assignments has prompted students to take a helping hand from PHP Assignment Help. During higher studies in colleges, students often have to prepare multiple documents, quizzes, and surprise tests. This is the main reason why most students search for Programming Assignment Help over the internet and choose only the most proficient and trusted academic writing experts.
ReplyDeleteAustralian Assignment Help is the best provider of MBA assignment writing services in Australia to students and Student Life Saviour in do my assignment in Qatar at affordable rates
ReplyDeletebhunamanasana benefits is a Hatha Yoga Pose that has been practiced for centuries. It's also known as spinal twist prostration pose.
ReplyDeleteI found a Very interesting post so keep posting it.
ReplyDeleteBest University for Pharmacy in Uttarakhand
Best University for MBA in Roorkee
Convergence of logistics and technology, along with cloud-based collaborative solutions that extend through the entire supply chain, has enabled a tight integration of warehouse, transport, and end consumer information, and transparency through the supply chain, this in turn, has been identified as a key driver towards the growth of the food logistics market studied.
ReplyDeleteAlso Read: Needle Coke Market | Aerospace Fasteners Market | Haemophilia Treatment Market
Its very interesting, educative and informative, I must commend you for the good work you are doing here while I urge you to keep it up. Thank you for sharing. visit us: NOK university cut off mark for petroleum chemistry
ReplyDeletetaurus rising The 1st house is known as the ascendant house in Vedic astrology. When the Taurus zodiac sits in the 1st house at the time of birth of a native.
ReplyDeleteganesh ji ke 12 naam सुमुख, · एकदंत, · कपिल, · गजकर्ण, · लंबोदर, · विकट, · विघ्नविनाशक, विनायक, धूम्रकेतु
ReplyDeleteEr man til indisk mad skal man besøge denne fantastiske restaurant . indisk mad nordhavn Utrolig lækker mad og meget høflige og opmærksomme tjenere samt en dejlig stemning. Virkelig en god oplevelse.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a great piece of information. I visited your website and I really like your website and post also. Keep it up and keep sharing such posts.
ReplyDeleteWriting an assignment a night before submitting an assignment is really a daunting task. Many students have a query that they face issue while crafting their assignment or completing their assessment. There are many reasons behind this like lack of time, lack of interest in particular subjects and tight deadlines. So, If you are facing trouble and want assignment help. Then there are a number of online assignment service companies that can help you out at a very reasonable fee.
Many different subjects where students mostly seek assignment help are chcece001 assessment answers, CHC30113 Assessment Answers help, Law Assignment Help, etc.