These assignments encourage students to develop the ability to read critically, think comparatively and write clearly. They also provide the basis of informed class discussions. There are six essays assigned during the course of the semester, and each student must complete two of these. Of course, students may complete more than two papers, and take the highest grades. Papers should be three to five pages double spaced and typed.
Papers are due in class, at the beginning of class, on the assigned day.
Late papers will not be accepted. Nor will papers be accepted from students who do not attend class on the due date. In the former case, a late paper suggests a student is not fully prepared to exchange ideas in a class discussion. In the latter case, a student fails to participate in the discussion. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of the different electoral systems.