Introduction to Comparative Politics
Fall 2005
Reflective Essay #1

 

Assignment:

“You are John Stuart Mill and you have invited Rev. Ben Daniel and Prof. Ward Churchill to dinner. After an hour of pleasantries over the table, you decide to get down to brass tacks and ask them about their views on liberalism. The conversation immediately starts to get heavy as the three of you discuss some of their recent articles (i.e., the assignments in your reader). After some tense moments in which you wonder when forks will start flying, you have to make a decision: Which of your two guests is a true liberal? You have four options: 1) both are liberal; 2) only Daniel is liberal; 3) only Churchill is liberal; 4) neither is liberal.

Your essay assignment is to take a clear stand on this question by defending one of these options in a persuasive manner. A persuasive argument always involves two things: 1) a clear statement of where you stand and why; and 2) an explanation of why you are taking this stand instead of another one. As every good attorney, salesperson, and football coach knows, successful strategic thinking is always based upon anticipating the counterarguments that will be raised against your position.

Please respond to the above question in a typed essay of no more than four (4), double-spaced pages (normal font). We will evaluate your essay according to three criteria: the clarity and consistency of your argument; your use of readings, lectures, and discussion sections to back up your points concretely; and, importantly, your ability to think for yourself.

When referring to your readings, feel free to use an easy citation form (e.g., author and page). It’s fine to use short quotations (i.e., no more than 2 sentences), but indicate why you are using them. Quotations do not speak for themselves. If you come to a point where you are not sure what you are saying, we will likely not be sure what you are saying either. Explain yourself! Finally, don’t forget the Protestant hymn: “’Tis a joy to be simple…”

I have no objection if you want to discuss this assignment with your classmates. However, your essay must be absolutely, completely, and unmistakably your own work.

 

Deadline: Your essay is due no later than class time on Monday, September 26. You should hand in your essay directly to your TA. Your essay should be a paper copy. Please remember to staple the pages and to put your name and TA’s name on the first page. Late essays will be docked 1/3 of a grade for each day they are late.

Good luck!