Studying in the U.S or overseas
Contest information
Maximum 7 students per class
Class Introduction
In this class, students will explore advanced concepts in global affairs to prepare a high-quality essay for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest. Through instruction, analysis, and writing workshops, students will gain the knowledge and tools to craft a well-researched, 800–1,200-word essay that demonstrates their ability to engage critically with complex global issues.
Students will choose one of four academic directions:
- Economics Track: Students will apply college-level economic theory and models to examine pressing global economic challenges. The course emphasizes using data, charts, and empirical analysis to evaluate economic phenomena and inform policy recommendations. Students will develop the ability to read and critique economic texts, and produce an original essay that demonstrates sound analytical thinking and evidence-based argumentation.
- Politics & History Track: Students will explore international political systems, historical developments, and policy debates that shape the world today. They will learn to analyze events through a historical and political lens, engage with primary and secondary sources, and craft persuasive essays grounded in rigorous research and critical evaluation.
- International Relations Track: Students will explore key international relations theories, such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and global governance, and apply them to analyze one of the competition’s three themes: global commons, emerging powers, or resilient cities.
- Junior Division Track: Students will formulate focused research questions, conduct effective research, evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources, and organize information into a clear and logical argument. Students will learn to critically engage with evidence and produce a well-researched, soundly argued essay that demonstrates strong analytical thinking and effective written communication.
Outcome
By the end of this class, students should:
- Navigate and analyze complex topics in international affairs.
- Conduct thorough, credible research independently.
- Articulate insightful analyses through formal, sophisticated writing.
- Present balanced arguments, backed by evidence, on global issues.
- Prepare and polish a submission for the HIR Academic Writing Contest, adhering to all guidelines and ethical standards
Class Structure
For Economics Direction Class:
- 2 group classes, 2 hours each, 4 hours in total;
- 6 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each, 6 hours of one-on-one classes in total.
Teacher Background: Former Professor of Economics at Trinity College, who has guided students to multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in the Harvard International Review (HIR) Essay Competition. In previous years, over 70% of his students have received awards.
For Politics & History Direction Class:
- 3 group classes, 1.5 hours each, 4.5 hours in total;
- 5 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each, 5 hours of one-on-one classes in total.
Teacher Background: Historian and former professor at the University of Virginia, who has guided students to multiple Silver, Bronze, and Outstanding Writing Awards in the HIR Essay Competition, as well as numerous awards in history and politics competitions, including the John Locke Essay Competition and National History Day (NHD).
For International Relations Direction Class:
- 2 group classes, 2 hours each, 4 hours in total;
- 6 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each, 6 hours of one-on-one classes in total.
Teacher Background: Current professor at a top U.S. private university with nearly 30 years of teaching experience in history, international relations, and political science. He has coached students to achieve top awards in writing competitions, including the Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest and the John Locke Essay Competition. He holds a Ph.D. in Modern European History from Boston University and has extensive experience in academic research, publishing, and essay mentorship. He has served as a Contributing Editor for Princeton University Press.
For Junior Division Class:
- 4 group classes, 1.5 hours each, 6 hours total;
- 4 one-on-one sessions, 1 hour each, 4 hours total.
Teacher Background:
- Class A: History Professor at a renowned U.S. public university with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. She has guided students to multiple awards in competitions such as the John Locke Essay Competition, Harvard International Review (HIR) Essay Competition, and National History Day (NHD). She received the Teaching Excellence Award from the American Teachers Association and holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Florida.
- Class B: International Writing Competition Judge with expertise in academic writing competitions such as the HIR and John Locke Essay Competition, she has guided students to win multiple awards. She brings over 13 years of experience teaching AP and dual-enrollment English, and has served as a college English instructor in the United States and an AP English Literature instructor for high-achieving students.
Feedback
Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email.
Further reading
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