September 4, 2020.
A get-together at the highest point in South Bend.
I am getting increasingly annoyed at the unsubstantiated and potentially life-threatening claims of politicians and untrained academics about how to contain the Coronavirus pandemic. To calm my nerves, I decide to hold a little after-dinner soirée at my home at the highest point in South Bend (no kidding!). I invite two old friends, Sheldon and Penny, as well as my newest friend, you, to join me.
For the first hour or so, our appropriately socially-distanced conversation is exactly what I need—calming. Then, I make a mistake. In a modest effort to liven up the discussion, I bring up a contemporary topic. “What do you think,” I ask, “about the wave of populist politics that has swept across our country? Is this good for liberal democracy?”
Sheldon looks pensive. “I think it’s a good thing,” he replies, adjusting his mask, “the populist wave has brought new energy into our entire political system and forced us to confront issues that establishment politicians have too long ignored. Yes, indeed! The more populism, the better!” At first, Penny is silent. Abruptly, she screams. “You may know something about science Sheldon, but when it comes to understanding people, you are utterly clueless. Populism has been the worst thing to happen to our country in this century. If this wave continues, liberal democracy will never survive.”
If only because Sheldon and Penny are neighbors, I am shocked at this sudden outburst of animosity. Fearing that I will alienate one of them if I take sides in the argument, I happily pass the buck to you. “Well, my new friend, who is right, Sheldon or Penny? And please don’t equivocate. I want a clear and unambiguous answer, and I want it now!”
Your assignment:
Please respond to this question by taking a firm and unequivocal stand on who is right, Sheldon or Penny. Feel free to use any of your course readings (e.g., Kingdon, Mill, Mudde) to justify your argument. Do NOT undertake any additional reading or research.
We have designed this assignment to teach you while you are thinking and writing. These skills will be useful throughout your college years and beyond.
First, we are challenging you to make and defend an argument. A persuasive argument always has two features: 1) a clear and concise statement of where you stand; and 2) an explanation of your reasons for taking this position rather than its rival. As every good epidemiologist, climate scientist, and football coach knows, a successful argument or strategy must anticipate the counterargument or counterstrategy that someone will raise against it. This means that you should clearly state both your argument and the counterargument that will likely be raised against you.
Second, we are challenging you to wrestle with a challenging issue. Thus, it will not be sufficient for you simply to describe what you have read or heard. We are asking you to demonstrate that you fully understand the topic and its implications.
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 demonstrated ability to think for yourself. Remember: if you are not sure what you are saying, we will not be sure what you are saying either. Explain yourself and do so in the clearest possible fashion!
NOTE: There is no single, correct answer to this question. Feel free to take any stand you like. We are not judging your personal political convictions. Rather, we are interested in your ability to make a convincing argument.
When referring to your readings, feel free to use any simple citation form (e.g., author and page). It is fine to use short quotations, but indicate why you are using them. Quotations do not speak for themselves.
Finally, don’t forget the Shaker hymn: “ ‘tis a joy to be simple . . .” State your argument boldly; justify it in a logical fashion; when you are done, stop.
The Honor Code to which you have affixed your signature applies! It is fine with me if you discuss this assignment with your classmates. However, your essay and argument must be absolutely, completely, and unmistakably your own work. For this reason, unless you are consulting your TA or meeting with someone at the Writing Center, do not share any part of your essay with anyone else.
Some words of advice.
Read this assignment closely the minute you receive it. At first, it may seem complicated. However, if you allow its elements to swim around in your brain, you will find that they all flow together.
Do not put this assignment off until the last moment. If you do so, you will not be a happy camper and neither will we. Write a first draft, put it aside, then re-read and write some more. Then, repeat.
Requirements and Deadline: Your essay should be no more than three (3) double-spaced, typed pages (12 point font). Give it an effective title. Do not forget to put your name on it.
Please adhere to every word of these guidelines. You must turn in your essay to your TA no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, September 11. Your TA will tell you how to deliver your essay. Late papers will be docked 1/3 of a letter grade for each day they are late. In a remarkable gesture of feudal beneficence and to give you ample time to focus on this essay, we will not hold discussion sections on Friday, September 11. Call us generous!
My expectations are not unreasonable. I simply request that you write the best essay you have ever written in your life.
Good luck!