Which ideology that we have discussed do you think holds the most promise as a way to organize society? What aspects about it do you think are its particular strengths, and why?

Which ideology that we have discussed do you think holds the most promise as a

way to organize society? What aspects about it do you think are its particular

strengths, and why?

IDEOLOGIES PAPER ASSIGNMENT

INSTRUCTIONS:

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You can find writing support at the http://writingcenter.sdsu.edu/.

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TOPIC:

Your assignment will be to engage the course materials on political ideologies. Please write a 3-

page, double-spaced essay that answers the following questions:

1. Which ideology that we have discussed do you think holds the most promise as a

way to organize society? What aspects about it do you think are its particular

strengths, and why? (Paper introduction)

2. What objections would proponents of other ideologies likely raise to your claims,

and how would you answer them? (Body of the paper)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION:

• Consider starting your introduction with a clear first-line thesis statement like: “I think _____

sets out the best way to organize society” (fill in the blank: conservatism,

communitarianism, liberalism, marxism, anarchism). Please don’t start with empty or vague

statements that are not strictly necessary to what you have to say.

• Your introductory paragraph should also offer the key reasons you are adopting this position.

Your reasons should not be purely personal (e.g. “My father was in the military, so I’ve

always believed x, y, and z”). Instead, you should ground your analysis on what would be

best for society.

• Finally, your introduction will need a “road map” statement that lets the reader know what to

expect about your arguments in relation to other ideological schools of thought (in answer to

the second question above).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BODY OF THE PAPER:

• You are advised to organize the main body of your paper into three paragraphs that engage

the THREE other ideologies that would be most likely to disagree with or critique the points

you are making. A strong analysis always addresses counter-arguments. You will need to

figure out what the biggest critiques would be from other ideological perspectives, and then

figure out how (and whether!) you can answer those critiques. Give concrete examples or

illustrations whenever possible.

• As you address counter-arguments, you will also have more opportunities to develop and

support the positions you mentioned in the introduction. Instead of just repeating the same

claims about what would be best for society, try to demonstrate why a reasonable person

should come to the same conclusion as you have.

• As you discuss the potential critiques of other ideologies, avoid statements that exaggerate or

insult (“Marxists are freedom-haters” or “conservatives are all dumb”). Your reader will

wonder, where is the evidence for this claim? Is this a fair, informed statement? A good

paper will demonstrate comprehension not just of the ideas you like, but also those you do

not personally endorse. For this reason, your grade will reflect how well you understand all

four ideologies you engage, and not just the one you like best.

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• You should end your paper with a very short paragraph that concludes your argument.
• Give your paper a creative title that previews your position and argument.

ASSIGNMENT FAQs:

1. What if there is no one ideology that I can stand behind entirely?

The important thing will be to adopt a position that you really believe. If you discover that

your favorite ideology has some key flaws, you might want to make a more nuanced thesis

claim, like: “Despite some key weaknesses, I find ______ most promising for society. If

you find aspects of multiple ideologies promising, you might adopt a thesis like: “While

each ideology has some downsides, I find aspects of ______ and _______ most promising

for society” (fill in the blanks). In this case, it would be wise to explain not only why certain

aspects of these ideologies appeal to you, but also what you see as their failings.

1. What if I have no response to the kinds of critiques that other ideologies might make of my

positions? Should I assert a strong position no matter what?

If you don’t know how to answer the kinds of critiques you might get from proponents of

other ideologies, then you might need to moderate or change your argument. You are being

asked to come to a reasoned position that reflects some real analysis. If considering

possible critiques modifies your position, then so be it. Just make sure that you make the

whole paper consistent instead of switching arguments halfway through.

1. Do I need to address all ideologies equally in my paper?

Before starting to write, start with a lot of brainstorming and analysis. As part of that

process, you should certainly think through how someone from ALL FOUR of the other

schools of thought would likely respond to your position and claims. What would they most

likely disagree with, and why? Once you have worked through each ideology’s likely

response, think about which three ideologies have the least in common with yours, and

which of the potential critiques are toughest. Those are the ones you will want to engage. A

good analysis will not just seek out something easy to knock down.

Of course, your paper will not have space for you to include every point that came up in

your brainstorm, and it does not need to give equal time to each of the three ideologies you

decide to address. Focus on the toughest and most obvious critiques. You will not get full

credit if you choose to simply leave out the ideology that would most strongly disagree with

your main points.

1. May I incorporate outside sources?

No. This assignment should be done solely with the course materials and your brain. There

should be no need to do any additional research or to use any additional sources. However,

if you decide to ignore these instructions and you do end up borrowing someone’s ideas or

phrasing, then of course, you should clearly acknowledge the source in the paper rather than

plagiarizing!

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1. Should I try to quote a lot of things from the course readings or lecture?

You should definitely USE course readings and lecture notes to inform your paper,

identifying the source of information when you do. However, your paper should be in your

own words, reflecting the way that you understand things rather than borrowing other

people’s phrasing. If there is some quote that you really want to discuss, then quote it and

refer to it as you discuss. Otherwise, the words should all be yours.

1. When I use ideas from a text or lecture notes, how should I cite them?

When you draw from ideas that you read or saw in class materials, go ahead and paraphrase

them in your own words, and then afterwards put the name of the source in parentheses, plus

a page number, if there is one.

Example #1: Anarchism is all about decentralizing power, because no one is totally

trustworthy to hold ultimate control (Goodman p. 19).

Example #2: Tolerance for minorities is one of the key liberal values (Liberalism

lecture).

You could also mention where you got the info as part of the sentence and then skip the

parentheses.

Example: Barash said that liberals have divided into two camps.

1. Will my grade reflect whether the TA agrees with my opinions?

Nope. It won’t matter what particular positions you take. The grade will be based on how

you present and support your position. The main goal for this assignment will be to have

you analyze and evaluate the ideologies we have discussed in class. As such, your grade will

reflect the extent to which you demonstrate your understanding of the ideologies and

support your analysis with appropriate evidence. Of course, your originality and writing

will also matter.

GRADING CRITERIA:

• Knowledge (35%): Demonstrates a depth of knowledge of course materials and a

nuanced understanding of the differences between ideologies

• Analysis (35%): Takes a clear and consistent position throughout the paper; Effectively

supports the student’s stated position with analysis and examples; Engages opposing

ideas

• Originality (20%): Demonstrates original thought, Expresses ideas in the student’s own

words; Appropriately cites sources of ideas

• Writing (10%): Effective and clear introduction; Uses effective written structure;

Follows rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling

The rubric on the following page provides more detail about the expectations