POSITION PAPER uploads
Section outline
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© Position paper (2500 - 3000 words; excl. bibliography)
…Imagine you’re in a DEBATE on an EU topic. A position paper is a type of paper that defends – using argumentation and evidence – your position on a controversial topic, a policy issue or an existing dilemma.
To take a position on an EU-related problem and defend it requires the following skills: (FYI this is NOT the suggested structure of your paper; see below)
· Background knowledge of how things work in the EU in general
Who does what aka EU institutions, and what powers they have in the policy of your choice, what is the legal and/or strategic framework etc.
· Knowledge of your topic/issue in particular
Where does your topic fit in EU general context; is it even EU competence (background knowledge)?
What is your topic/issue all about, where’s the dilemma/controversy? Why?
· Identification of multiple(!) existing positions on your topic/issue
There’s always more than one opinion, solution, position on any topic, review the spectrum and find your position.
· CLEAR formulation of YOUR POSITION!!!
· Argumentation
Your arguments defend your position against other positions
Your arguments refute the other positions identified above
Your arguments build on each other
Your arguments do not undermine each other
Your arguments are supported by real-life, relevant evidence and sources
You can check a helpful “how to write” guide here:
https://people.cs.rutgers.edu/~rmartin/teaching/fall17/Writing_a_Position_Paper.pdf
GRADING RUBRIC Percentage
Structure:
Make sure your paper has the following structure:
· Introduction
- what’s the topic/issue, briefly
- overview of debate: including counter positions (what will you be arguing against later)
- clear statement of your position – in one sentence: “In this paper, I will argue that XYZ…”
· Argumentation section
- at least 6 arguments in support of your position & countering the others (see skills above)
- supported with references / evidence
· Conclusion – your position and summary of your support
· Bibliography / List of sources
5
Argument depth
MAX SCORE <- specific and detailed policy relevant information X very general common sensical arguments -> MIN SCORE
20
Consistency and logic of argumentation
MAX <- everything (intro, position, arguments, conclusion) hangs together in support of your position, your arguments build on each other logically X your sections go in different directions, arguments are disparate, one argument undermines another -> MIN
20
Quality of supportive evidence
MAX <- work with primary EU sources, secondary EU analyses and alternatively academic books/journals (see think-tank links above) X derivate information, excessive reliance on news servers or social media information, hoaxes, fake news, disinformation, AI hallucinations that cannot be verified -> MIN
Evidence needs to be referred to in text. How and why to cite: https://citace.fsv.cuni.cz/CITFSVEN-1.html
AI answers do NOT count as a source of evidence!!!
10
Accuracy
MAX <- information you give corresponds to your source X information you give does not correspond to the information of your source -> MIN
And I will be checking your sources randomly: whether the information you give actually matches the reference or not 😉.
10
Creativity
MAX <- Working off of your topic review results, found evidence and adding your own thought is original work X just rephrasing Wikipedia, EU think tank positions or AI key points is not creative, rephrasing is just that: rephrasing -> MIN
Any AI use needs to be acknowledged (in a footnote or endnote) write a note on how did you use the AI, what for, what tasks etc.; likewise, if you have not used AI, state so clearly
5
TOTAL
= 70%