PBL Exercise #1

POLS 216

Moving from Theory to the Real World

We have spent a fair amount of time already talking about theory and how that colors the way we view the world around us and especially IPE. I would like you to form up in groups of 2 or 3 and spend the next half an hour doing some web-research. I would start by looking at the GlobalEd Research Library for some good places to start. In particular I would like you to focus on the following things:

• Look for evidence that the theoretical perspectives we have discussed are manifest in the real world. You should try to find evidence that fits with each of three main perspectives we discussed in class (mercantilism, liberalism, world systems). For instance, in what ways is there evidence of a hierachy of states in IPE as suggested by world systems theorists? Be creative in your thinking.
• You might want to start with some of the journalistic sites like CNN or the New York Times. You can also link to various international organization sites. The possibilities are nearly endless, but keep track of where you got your information.
• When we reconvene as an entire class, you will asked to present your work (so keep track of what you find) and explain why you think the evidence tells us what you think it tells us.