DVA4802:Human Security & Development

Assignment 4

QUESTION: Do pandemics cause human insecurity or does human insecurity lead to pandemics? Take a position, describe it, and defend your position by citing supportive evidence.

Total 100 marks

PRESCRIBED READINGS:

• Lesson 4

• Ferhani (2020)

• Fofana (2021)

• Gondwe (2020)

• Obi & Kabandula (2021)

• United Nations (2016)

• Honours students are expected to do independent research too.

Assessment Requirements Brief Summary

Task:
Take a clear position on the prompt: “Do pandemics cause human insecurity or does human insecurity lead to pandemics?” Describe and defend your position with credible evidence.

Marks: 100 (course rubric applies).

Prescribed readings: Lesson 4; Ferhani (2020); Fofana (2021); Gondwe (2020); Obi & Kabandula (2021); United Nations (2016).
Plus: Honours students must conduct independent research.

Key pointers to cover:

• Define core terms: pandemic and human insecurity (e.g., health, economic, food, environmental, personal, community security).

• State a precise thesis (choose one causal direction or argue a primary direction within a feedback loop).

• Build an analytical framework (e.g., UN human security dimensions) to organize evidence.

• Present mechanisms/causal pathways linking your thesis to outcomes.

• Use comparative examples/case evidence (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, influenza) to support claims.

• Engage counterarguments (the alternative causal direction) and respond with evidence.

• Conclude with implications for policy and practice.

• Cite prescribed readings and independent scholarly sources appropriately.

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student Step-by-Step

1) Scoping & Thesis Selection

• Clarified terms using the UN human security lens (health, economic, food, environmental, personal, community).

• Chose a defensible thesis: Human insecurity is the primary driver that increases the probability and severity of pandemics (weak health systems, poverty, conflict, poor governance), while acknowledging a feedback loop where pandemics further intensify insecurity.

• Set success criteria: clarity of argument, coherence, breadth and depth of evidence, engagement with counterviews, correct referencing.

2) Building the Analytical Framework

• Framework adopted: UN Human Security framework to structure sections and evidence.

• Mapping exercise: For each dimension (health/economic/food/etc.), list pathways by which insecurity elevates outbreak risk (e.g., underfunded surveillance → delayed detection; informal work/overcrowding → transmission; misinformation/governance gaps → compliance failures).

3) Evidence Gathering & Source Planning

• Prescribed readings first: Extracted definitions, theoretical claims, and empirical findings relevant to human security and pandemics; logged key quotations/page references.

• Independent research: Located 3–5 additional peer-reviewed studies and reputable reports to meet Honours expectations and triangulate claims.

• Evidence matrix: Created a table aligning each section claim with at least two sources; flagged at least one counter-source for balance.

4) Draft Outline

1. Introduction — context, definitions, and thesis.

2. Conceptual Background — human security and pandemic risk (framework).

3. Causal Pathways — how insecurity → pandemics (surveillance, housing, labor, mobility, trust/governance).

4. Comparative Case Evidence — brief vignettes (e.g., Ebola in fragile settings; COVID-19 equity and system capacity).

5. Counterargument — pandemics → insecurity; acknowledge and delimit.

6. Synthesis & Policy Implications — strengthening security to reduce risk.

7. Conclusion — restate thesis, main takeaways.

8. References — prescribed + independent sources.

5) Section-by-Section Writing Guidance

• Introduction (≈10%)
  Hook; define terms succinctly; state the thesis and road map.

• Conceptual Background (≈15%)
  Summarize human security concept (UN 2016) and why it’s useful for pandemic analysis; link to readings (Ferhani, Fofana, Gondwe, Obi & Kabandula).

• Causal Pathways (≈30%)
  For each dimension, make a claim → explain mechanism → support with 1–2 sources. Keep paragraphs focused and evidence-led.

• Comparative Evidence (≈20%)
  Two or three concise case vignettes showing how insecurity preceded/worsened outbreaks; note contextual limits.

• Counterargument & Rebuttal (≈10%)
  Present the “pandemics cause insecurity” case; concede valid points; explain why primary causation still runs from insecurity to pandemics (time order, structural conditions).

• Implications (≈10%)
  Practical recommendations: invest in primary care and surveillance, social protection, risk communication, data transparency, and governance capacity.

• Conclusion (≈5%)
  Synthesize—not just repeat—showing how evidence supports the thesis and why the framework matters for future preparedness.

• Referencing & Integrity
  Use consistent citation style as per course guide; paraphrase ethically; include reference list.

6) Draft Review & Refinement

• Logic check: Each paragraph contains a claim, evidence, and a link back to the thesis.

• Balance check: Both directions of causality addressed; your position remains explicit.

• Style check: Academic tone, signposting, and smooth transitions.

• Technical check: Formatting, headings, figures/tables (if any), and citation accuracy.

• Originality check: Revision of over-close paraphrases; confirmation of plagiarism-free submission.

Outcome & Learning Objectives Achieved

Outcome (what was produced):

• A coherent, evidence-based essay that:

  • Clearly argues human insecurity primarily leads to pandemics while acknowledging the reverse feedback loop.

  • Uses the UN human security framework to structure causal pathways.

  • Integrates all prescribed readings plus additional peer-reviewed sources.

  • Engages counterarguments and offers realistic policy implications.

  • Meets formatting and referencing requirements for a 100-mark assessment.

Learning objectives covered:

• Conceptual mastery: Accurate use of human security and pandemic concepts.

• Critical thinking & argumentation: Defensible thesis; evaluation of competing explanations.

• Evidence literacy: Selection, integration, and citation of scholarly sources.

• Applied analysis: Use of a policy-relevant framework to interpret real cases.

• Research skills: Independent literature search (Honours) and source evaluation.

• Academic writing: Clear structure, signposting, and synthesis; adherence to academic integrity.

Get Expert Support for Your Assignments

Looking for reliable guidance on your coursework? You can download the sample solution provided here to understand the structure, writing style, and referencing techniques expected in academic assignments. Remember, this sample is strictly for reference and learning purposes only . Submitting it as your own work may lead to plagiarism issues and academic penalties.

If you want a plagiarism-free, custom-written assignment tailored to your specific requirements, our team of professional academic writers is here to help. Every solution we deliver is freshly written, thoroughly researched, and designed to meet your university guidelines—ensuring originality and better grades.

Why choose a fresh assignment solution?

• 100% original and plagiarism-free content

• Written by subject matter experts

• Customized to your topic and requirements

• Delivered on time with proper referencing

• Confidential and student-friendly support

Take control of your academic success today with the right support.

Download Sample Solution   

Order Fresh Assignment