Position Paper What is ‘Democracy’? Can we ever have too much

 The Position Papers are a written assessment completed individually by each student, which aim to explore the weekly discussion topics in greater depth through an argumentative style of writing. Students will submit 2 (Two) papers of 500-1000 words in length each, addressing one question each. Students should aim to establish a case regarding the topic by referring to relevant information, theories and examples – this information will from come resources provided in the course, as well as the students’ own reading of other materials. The papers do not require referencing, except of direct quotations or close paraphrases of text (in line with general policies on plagiarism) – however, if contentious or precise facts and figures are used, it will strengthen your argument if you provide a source.

reputable print or internet sources of news and opinion. Take notes and keep in mind any guiding questions. Consider what you have learnt about the logic of different ideologies when thinking about your position on the topic.

 The Position Papers are simply short essays, so take into consideration points made below regarding the essay structure. Even short essays require an introduction to the topic, which sets out your argument, and a conclusion. However, the limited space in a short essay requires the writer to be concise when putting forward key points, and to limit the length of quotations and the details of given examples.

 In presenting your case you will want to be clear about: What are the key topics being discussed? How do you define key terms? What facts are important for understanding those topic? What are your positions about these topics? What are the justifications for your positions? What more general conclusions can be made from your argument?

The Position Papers aim to each explore one of the weekly discussion topics in greater depth through an argumentative style of writing. The compositions should thus aim to establish a case regarding the topic by referring to relevant information, theories and examples. The 2 (Two) papers must be 500-1000 Words in length each. As the papers are in lieu of an exam they do not require referencing. However, if contentious or precise facts and figures are used, it will strengthen your argument if you provide a source. Any direct quotations or close paraphrases of text must be referenced, in line with general policies on plagiarism.

The Position Papers should be submitted in a single document (preferably Word) to the Turnitin system.

Weekly Discussion Topics:

1. What is ‘Democracy’? Can we ever have too much?
2. ‘We need harsher legal penalties to decrease crime’. Discuss.
3. ‘We should legally recognise gay marriage’. Discuss.
4. Free Speech: should there ever be limitations on what we can say?
5. Privacy: to what degree should the government know what we are doing?
6. ‘The Free Market economy is the best way to organise society’. Discuss.
7. ‘Western states fight wars out of altruism or self-defence, not self-interest’. Discuss.
8. How much social welfare should we have a right to, and under what conditions?
9. ‘Public health care and education should be better funded and have standards improved’. Discuss.
10. To what extent should drugs be legal?
11. Should we have a right to own guns?
12. ‘We still need a Feminist movement today’. Discuss.
13. What is racism, and is it still an important issue in the world today?
14. ‘Our deepest loyalty should be to our nation’. Discuss.
15. To what degree should states control immigration, and using what criteria?
16. How endangered is the global environment today? What measures need to be taken?
17. To what degree should animals have rights? What effects might that have?