MLS501, American Ideals in Global Perspective
Fall Semester 2004
Problem Essay #2
Topics
You may write your essay on either of the following topics.
Topic A: Democratization and Globalization: Issues of Universality and Compatibility
Two sets of American values that have come to the forefront in the contemporary world are (a) democracy and human rights and (b) market-based economic globalization. To what extent are these values being embraced and implemented around the world? To what extent are democratization/human rights and economic globalization mutually reinforcing values, or at least compatible? Or are there ways in which these values are incompatible and working at cross purposes?
Topic B: How Leading Political Theorists Would React to the Modern World
How would five of the leading political philosophers considered in the first half of the course react to global trends on (a) democracy and human rights and (b) economic globalization? Select your five theorists from among the following: Plato (or Aristotle), Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, Karl Marx, John Rawls, and Garrett Hardin.
Groundrules
Your essay should be in the 7-10 page range (double-spaced with normal size 12 point font).
You may use your books, articles, and class notes, but you are asked NOT to discuss your specific responses with classmates before submitting your essay.
You are NOT expected to do any additional reading or research beyond what has been assigned in the course thus far. This is an exercise in integrating insights that you have gained from the course. Do make reference to the various authors you have read during the last half of the course.
No footnotes or bibliography are necessary. When referring to specific ideas from the readings, simply insert the author and page number in parentheses in the text. For example, (Ball and Dagger, p. 128).
Grades will take into account both content and composition. A review of the suggestions on Writing a Good Term Paper (course website) is recommended.
Your essay is due no later than 5:00 PM, Wednesday, December 8. It may be submitted electronically (as an attachment to email) or in hard copy. If submitted in hard copy, simply staple the pages to hold them together---no binders or covers please! Either way, be sure to keep a backup copy of your paper!