Totalitarian Rule: Methods, Replication, and Objectives

Methods of Totalitarian Rule in One State

Write a paper on one of three topics below: Totalitarian states use a combination of “positive” (i.e. material and psychological benefits to its inhabitants) and “negative” (i.e. physical and psychological repression) methods to maintain power. What do you see as the main methods of totalitarian rule employed by the One State? To what extent, based on at least three documents from Perry (pp. 320-330, 342-379), were these methods replicated in Nazi Germany and/or Stalin’s the Soviet Union? What does the use of these methods tell us about the nature of totalitarian rule and the ways in which totalitarian states sought to achieve their objectives? (hint: the answer to this last question is the core of your thesis) Paper Guidelines: At least half of the paper must be based on material from We. You should also use Brooks, Western Civilization, and class lectures/discussions for supplemental information and context. There is NO expectation that you do outside research. All outside sources consulted must be cited in the text and in the works cited section. The paper should be approximately  (about 5-6 pages long). It should be constructed around a specific thesis that you will develop in the course of the paper (in other words, do not write the paper as if you were answering each question in turn). Papers will be graded according to content (what you say) and clarity of communication and expression (how you say it). More specifically I will evaluate the papers based on the thesis, development of argument, use of evidence, acknowledgment of and responses to counter-arguments, organization and structure (does the paper flow logically? are transitions smooth and clear?), introduction and conclusion (does the introduction provide a framework for the paper and set up the problem clearly? does the conclusion summarize the argument, tie up loose ends, and point to a broader significance?), and mechanics/style (grammar, syntax, punctuation, paragraph organization, spelling, and clarity, liveliness and authenticity of prose). Be sure to review the paper evaluation rubric posted in the Course Document module. You must cite all your ideas and examples. Use the parenthetical format for citations (e.g. Zamyatin, p. 35). For Perry, the reader cites ‘Perry’ when referring to the introduction of a document, and the author of the document (or its title if there is no author) when referring to the actual document. Include works cited section listing all the individual sources used in the paper. Be sure to read the Statement on Academic Honesty following this prompt. Paper Submission Instructions: