Each student will write a paper on a western political theorist of the student’s choice that is in the text book but not covered in class (upon discussion with and approval of the professor theorists not in the book may be chosen). The paper will evaluate the selected theorist’s influence on the present (last 75 years), biographical information about the theorist will be limited to less than a page. The paper will focus on the theory not the person. Outside research is required for this paper a minimum of two outside sources are required not including the text book. Dictionaries and encyclopedias are good starting places but are not considered academically acceptable sources. Students should always avoid online encyclopedias like Wikipedia. Wikipedia contains many errors and is NOT a reliable source. Generally internet sources are not acceptable for this research. The rule I use for this paper is the source must actually be in print. You do not have to have the printed copy but you must be able to cite it as if you did have the printed copy.

In order to eliminate any papers on the wrong topics, a paper abstract will be due on November 3–the abstract will not be graded. Without the abstract the student runs the risk of receiving a zero on the paper for writing on the wrong topic. Besides the possibility of a wrong topic there will be a penalty on the paper if no abstract is turned in. The abstract will be a paragraph describing the topic of the paper.

Each paper MUST be a minimum of 2500 words. The research paper must be typed double spaced, with one inch margins, a 12 cpi Times New Roman font, using proper in-text citations, including page numbers, a title page and references page. The paper will be due December 3. Only PDF or DOC files will be accepted. Do not forget to read the instructions and the rubric for the rubric click the three dots at the top right.

PAPERS THAT DO NOT MEET THE 2500 WORDS OF TEXT REQUIREMENT WILL NOT RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE.

Paper Abstract:

On 11/3 students will turn a paragraph abstract, summarizing the theorist and the connection to modern society that will be discussed in the paper. The purpose of the abstract is to eliminate papers on the wrong topics, the abstract will not be graded, without the abstract the student runs the risk of receiving an F on the paper for writing on the wrong topic, points will be deducted from the paper if no abstract is turned in.

Paper Format and Expectations:

Section 1. In the first section of the paper students should describe the theorist’s metaphysics, a broad overview of the theory, and a brief biography–if appropriate. The metaphysics and biography should set the framework for an explanation of why the theorist came to the beliefs they hold. You should treat the the metaphysics as the premise of the paper. In addition this section should address the following questions why is the theory unique? Why is the theory important? This section should be about 2-3 pages.

Section 2. Detailed discussion of the theorist’s theory, argument and conclusions. The discussion of the theory should be a detailed examination of one aspect of the theory that is applied to modern society. The discussion should include critiques of the theory. This section should be the bulk of the paper roughly 3-4 pages in length.

Section 3. Apply the theory discussed to modern society. Discuss how the theory is relevant today (last 75 years). Several examples of how the theory is relevant to modern society should be explored. You can argue how the theory is misapplied today as well. Sources should be used to support why the theory is relevant. This section of the paper should be 2 pages in length.