Introduction to International Economics International Relations and Diplomatic Studies
Final assessment information
Written and/or Oral Presentation.
INSTRUCTION
Imagine you are an Ambassador and Political Analyst with the Embassy of Somalia in
Belgium, Europe. You have been invited to give a 5 to 15 minute speech to World Trade
Organisation (WTO) country members on the topic ‘An International Strategy for Somalia:
How can we grow our economy while ensuring its citizens can live better and longer lives’?
Your speech can be written or spoken (oral). You must choose one.
Written
You will have to write a one-page
page speech. Just really imagine you
are giving a speech and write
accordingly! Your speech is free and
must be written in your own words, but
using the concepts learnt during the
course.
Oral
You will have to record a speech as
an audio or video. Just really imagine
you are giving a speech and talk
accordingly and dress up if you wish!
Your speech is free and must be written
in your own words, but using the
concepts learnt during the course.
Although your speech it free, it will need to touch upon at least 5 of the following terms
below:
• Gross Domestic Product. Tip: what components of GDP could Somalia focus on to
grow (i.e. Consumption, Investment, Government Spending, Net Exports)?
• Exports and Imports. Tip: what is the profile of Somalia exports and imports, and
should we change it? If so, how?
• Exchange rate. Tip: what exchange rate could Somalia adopt to enhance international trade?
• Theories of International Trade. Tip: What theory or theories of international trade
can better benefit Somalia in the world stage? Is adopting comparative advantage a
good idea?
• Trade blocs. Tip: Is Somalia currently participating in any Trading blocs? What
should the country do to tap into its potential with other countries?
• Inflows. Tip: What type of inflows should Somalia try to attract: foreign investment,
remittances, or Foreign aid (of what type)? And why?
• Somalian relationship with the International Monetary fund Tip: Do you think it is a good
relationship? Or not? How do you see this relationship going forward as an Ambassador?
• Overall, how can Somalia enhance international trade in the face of COVID-19?
• Any other point you find relevant, such as security, terrorism, trade barriers, tariffs etc.
OTHER TIPS:
The below speech by H.E. Dr. Abdirahman D. Beileh, Minister of Finance, The Federal
Republic of Somalia, can guide you on how to prepare a speech (written or spoken).
8 Minute video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHy1MvniDf0
RUBRIC
A rubric, also known as a marking criterion, is an attempt to communicate expectations
of quality around essays. Because the criteria are public, a scoring rubric allows
teachers and students alike to evaluate criteria, which can be complex and subjective.
Below is the rubric for this final assessment:
Grade Characteristics
41% – 50%
Speech is driven by a clearly stated, defensible argument about strategies for Somalia
within an international context. Speech is clearly organised (with an introduction,
transition sentences to connect major ideas, and conclusion). Speech includes in
excess of 10 terms covered during the course while applied to real life. Sources are
acknowledged whenever used.
30% – 40%
Speech is delivered using reflection and course readings, but the use of the concepts
covered during the course does not always demonstrate a clear understanding or
relates to real life. Speech is highly organised (with an introduction, transition
sentences to connect major ideas, and conclusion). Speech includes in excess of 7
terms covered during the course while applied to real life.
20% – 29%
Speech contains minimum arguments covered during the course and meets the 5 key
terms requirements. Information is more ‘reproduced’ than critically thought about, with
no deeper demonstration of understanding of international economics issues. Speech
may also have some coherence problems.
1% – 19% Speech is not coherent, does not have an argument or is missing a major component
of the evidence requested (5 key terms covered during the course).