Your understanding of the concepts discussed in the thematic unit, “The Individual and the Collective: Conflict and Cooperation,” will be evaluated by writing two short essays — one from Group A topics, one from Group B topics. Please remember to submit both of your essays in a single Word document (.doc or .rtf).
Essay Format: Separate paragraphs for Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion. Each essay must include at least 2 direct or indirect textual quotations, from the sources listed below, where appropriate to support and extend your point of view:
Introduction: The Individual and the Collective
Politics in the Life of the Individual
Soul Force versus Physical Force
By Any Means Necessary
Non-Violent Resistance
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Jihad vs. McWorld
America and the World
The Problem of Genocide
If you are unfamiliar with including quotations in your writing, please refer to the link to OWL: APA Style Workshop here.
Length: 500-700 words for each essay
Submission: Please submit your essays as a single Word document using the assignments link. Do not submit your work by email.
Evaluation Factor: The assignment is worth 20% of your final grade.
Group A
1. Compare and contrast the theories of Marx and Mill as discussed in the article “Politics in the Life of the Individual” with reference to the issue of oppression in modern society. In the course of your essay, be sure to –summarize why Mill sees society as a “tyranny of the majority” while Marx sees it as a “tyranny of the minority;” Explain in relevant detail the theory of each thinker. –include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from this or other articles that supports or extends your point of view.
2. What do you think is more important for society: stability, as Thomas Hobbes argued, or freedom, as John Stuart Mill argued? In the course of your essay, be sure to discuss –how each thinker’s view of human nature relates to your view –how each thinker’s preference for social order (Hobbes: absolute monarchy; Mill: Liberalism) relates to your view. Also include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from “Politics in the Life of the Individual” that supports or extends your point of view.
3. John Locke and Karl Marx held widely divergent views on the role property plays in society. Whose side do you favour? In the course of your essay, be sure to explain –why Locke believed private property and individual freedom went together; –why Marx believed property created division in society. Be sure to include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from “Politics in the Life of the Individual” that supports or extends your point of view.
Group B
1. In “Jihad vs. McWorld, “Benjamin Barber compares two contemporary political forces. For Barber, these forces both threaten democracy. In your opinion, which force do you think is the greater threat to Canadian democracy? In the course of your essay, be sure to –explain what Barber means by the “forces of Jihad,” the conditions under which they develop, and how they threaten democracy; –explain what Barber means by the “forces of McWorld,” the conditions under which they develop, and how they threaten democracy. –how Barber’s ideas apply to Canada. Be sure to include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from this article that supports or extends your point of view.
2. Marx and Malcolm X believed that revolution was necessary to create a “just” society. Gandhi and King believed that a “just” society could be achieved through non-violent means. Contrast the views of the four theorists to outline your view of how society can made to be “just.” Be sure to include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from the textbook articles listed below that supports or extends your point of view: –Politics in the Life of the Individual –Soul Force versus Physical Force –By Any Means Necessary –Non-Violent Resistance –Letter from Birmingham Jail
3. Hannah Arendt’s concept of the “banality of evil” has been used to understand how the actions of average people can support and promote genocide. What does she mean by this concept and how does it relate to the act of genocide? In your response, be sure to –define genocide –refer to a specific genocide (Holocaust, Rwanda, etc.) Be sure to include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from this article that supports or extends your point of view.
4. The concept of U.S. hegemony is at the heart of Wallerstein’s article “America and the World: The Twin Towers as Metaphor.” How does this concept relate to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre and the role Wallerstein believes that the U.S. should play in the future. In your response, be sure to define hegemony and the role it has played in international politics. Be sure to include and reference textual material (direct or indirect quotations as needed) from this article that supports or extends your point of view. 5. Compare Descartes’ four-step “radical doubt” methodology (discussed in Obrien’s article, “From Biology to Biography”) with Martin Luther King’s four-step non-violence methodology (discussed in the lecture on “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. How does each method prepare an individual to engage with the world?
