Classical vs Modern Liberalism: Argumentative Research Essay

Answered

Students will choose one of the essay topics from a list provided below. Do you prefer classical or modern liberalism?

General Guideline on What to Do

Students will choose a topic from a “list of possible essay topics” during the first week of the term. Students wishing to choose an alternative topic will obtain approval from the instructor no later than first week of October. Essay topics that have not been approved will not be accepted.
Regardless of topic, students need to include certain elements in their essay. The paper will include a clear argument or thesis, a strong analysis supported by evidence, and a forceful conclusion.
An argument requires two elements: a clear position on the subject matter and supporting evidence (factors) that substantiate the claim.
- First, students will take a position on the subject. For example, if they choose topic #1 they can state something like this “I prefer classical liberalism.”
- Second, they will list at least three or more factors (i.e. the reasons that make classical liberalism better) to support their argument.
In subsequent paragraphs, they will explain these factors and demonstrate how they are related to their main argument.
If students are working on an idea or a topic and feel that it has both strengths and weaknesses, they will take a position and explain either its strengths or weaknesses only. While they are explaining their position on an idea, they will acknowledge the opposite viewpoint briefly in a paragraph or so before concluding the paper.
In the concluding section, students will briefly summarize their findings and reinforce their position. At this point, they may include some relevant suggestions or recommendations to make their argument more appealing.

Length of Paper

The paper will be about 1500 words (double spaced) long, no more, excluding the cover page and list of References. Include the ‘word count’ at the end of your concluding paragraph. Be concise and to the point. Include what is relevant to the main argument and leave out unnecessary detail or background information. (Note: The essence of writing a good paper is knowing not just what to include but what to exclude.)

Argumentative Research Essay

1. Introduction

States the argument clearly by taking a position on an issue/problem
Lists the explaining factors related to the argument

2. Body of the paper

Discusses the explaining factors and demonstrates their relevance to the main argument in the subsequent paragraphs
States the counter argument in a paragraph or two before the concluding section

3. Conclusion

Summarizes the main point of the essay and offers some concluding remarks
Offers some recommendations at this point (optional)
Does not introduce new issues or ideas that are not explained or discussed in the paper
References
Uses the proper and consistent citation throughout the paper (papers without any citations won’t be accepted)
Includes the list of references used for the paper

4. Guidelines