Mode

This module introduced an array of challenges and problems associated with globalization, including weaponized interdependence, the erosion of social cohesion within national polities, the digitization of globalization, and the diffusion & transformation of power in the global system. What do you see as the biggest challenge and how should we address it?
Make an argument for why it is a serious problem, then make your case for how to address it. This essay will be submitted in the format of a policy memo – please see document for detailed guidelines, rubric, and sample memo
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12 point Times New Roman
1” margins
Single spaced
1-2 full pages
Note: you do not have to choose one of the challenges discussed in the module, you may also come up with your own (just run it by the professor first if you go “off-book”). 
 
Rubric
Guidelines – GSC 512 Essay #1 [Policy Memo]
This module introduced an array of challenges and problems associated with globalization, including weaponized interdependence, the erosion of social cohesion within national polities, and the diffusion & transformation of power in the global system. What do you see as the biggest challenge and how should we address it?
Note: you do not have to choose one of the challenges discussed in the module, you may also come up with your own if you run it by the professor first.
Your memo should be 12-point Times New Roman, 1” margins, SINGLE spaced. This is an exercise in clear, concise writing, which takes time, but is a very valuable skill for an analyst to have; DO NOT go over the 2-page limit. It should be formatted in accordance with the 2^nd page of this guide. You may use section headers (such as background, summary, recommendations, etc. – whatever makes sense to you), however, make sure you hit all the points outlined and organize it in the given order.
You will be graded on how clearly and concisely you state your case, how well organized and easy to read the memo is, and whether your recommended courses of action clearly align with the primary goal you identify. Please see below for the grading rubric:

If you struggle with grammar, syntax, sentence structure, or writing style, please consult the writing center (or ask a trusted person to check it) before submission. Make sure you leave yourself time to review your work (in other words, don’t wait until the day it’s due to write it).
TO:                   Office of the President of the United States (you may also substitute this with another office/state/organization if you prefer)
FROM: Your Real Name
Your (Pretend) Job Title – just come up with something that makes sense
DATE:               Today’s Date
SUBJECT:         Policy Recommendation on [_____fill in blank here with your topic_____]
 
Introduction: Briefly summarize the issue. This should be as concise as possible – just hit the big picture/most important points that are necessary to make your argument. Explain why this is a major problem/challenge worthy of the president’s attention. End the introductory section by identifying what the primary goal(s) of the U.S. (or whatever entity you chose to situate this in) should be.
Body (tip: the body of your memo will be several paragraphs – make sure you choose your paragraph breaks appropriately- it should be well organized).
Identify 1-3 specific policy recommendations that can be taken to meet this goal. For each one, describe it, explain how it will help meet this goal, make an argument in favor of it!
If you are recommending multiple action items, start your next paragraph by identifying another specific action that can be taken to meet this goal and repeat the exercise: describe, explain, make a case! Repeat this for as many specific actions you are planning to identify to support the overall goal you identified at the outset.
Alternatively, you may choose to identify only one policy action and spedn the rest of the memo making a strong case for that one. In this case, you should use the space to identify any potential pitfalls or new problems that may arise from these recommendations and suggest mitigation strategies or counter arguments. Do not be dismissive of the other side if you choose this route – show that you fully understand it and have taken the drawbacks seriously.
 
Conclusion: Link the recommended course(s) of action back to how it supports the big picture goal and your overall argument that this is a worthwhile goal to pursue. This is your last chance to make a compelling case for policy change. Keep it brief, direct, get right to the point… remember, they’re incredibly busy and scanning everything to see if it’s even worth their time first. If you ramble on, you lose the reader. Don’t waste their time reiterating what you already said (it’s a short memo and they just read it). Think about the biggest takeaway or the implications of this issue and/or policy change, and leave the reader wanting to take action on it (but don’t just say “we must take action”- that doesn’t count).