Final paper
The objectives of the final paper are for students to engage with a “hot topic” in Canadian politics and debate on it (Note: a debate means you will have to present at least two different views (viewpoints) on the topic and the arguments supporting each position). A list of potential topics is given below and from there, the students have to present various arguments on both sides of the chosen topic and argue for a position.
Topics
Your first task is to choose a topic among the following ones:
- How can the government attract young votes (18-35 years old) to vote and get involved in Canadian politics?
- What can be done to deal with parliamentary under-representation of women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and/or disabled people?
- Does the Prime minister have too much power?
- Should the Crown be abolished?
- Is Quebec separatism a dead letter?
- Should citizens start voting for Supreme Court Justices?
- What can be done to improve Settler-Indigenous Reconciliation?
Once you have chosen your topic, you need to do some research! What information can you find on this topic? Also, you will need to identify how you want to tackle this topic. You need to find arguments on “both sides” and form your own critical opinion.
Paper and presentation
Now that you have chosen your topic and ideologies, you have to write a 6-8 pages paper (double-spaced, Times New Roman, font size 12, margins 2.5cm) in which you will include the following:
a) an introduction where you introduce the topic and the various arguments you will be presenting.
b) a general presentation of the arguments for each position on the topic (For example: some authors will argue to abolish the Crown; others think we need to keep it. Tell us why for each case).
c) a brief conclusion to what you think is the most convincing position (which side are you taking) and why.
d) a reference list including at least 5 academic references (one of which has to be your textbook). By academic references, we mean books or articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Referencing must be done using APA style.
Grading
The final paper is worth 25% of your final grade and is due on August 9th, 2021. The following rubric will be used to grade your paper.
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