SST3771-ABED: 1.3.11 Position Paper Assignment

This unit examined how most ideologies can be categorized largely as individualist or collectivist. These two broad approaches to ideologies form the foundation of different programs and policies in our society. In this two-part assignment, you analyze a source, then prepare a position paper to effectively explore different perspectives regarding the main overarching theme outlined in the quotation.

Click on one of the following formats below to download and complete the assignment:

Please note: That the planning of the assignment is optional, but strongly suggested. Students may submit their planning to their Lead Teacher in order to receive feedback prior to the submission of their final draft.

Microsoft Word
Adobe PDF
Google Doc

For Part One, remember to use the information you learned from previous sections in the unit. To help you, consult pages 31-46, the chart on page 51, and pages 71-86 in your textbook.

Part One: Planning the Position Paper

For an example of how to approach Part One of this assignment and plan the position paper, consult this exemplar .

The sources below are to be used to formulate prepare a position paper for this task:

To what extent should we embrace the ideological perspective(s) reflected in the source?

Write an essay in which you must:

Analyze the source to demonstrate an understanding of the ideological perspective(s) reflected in the source.
Establish and argue a position in response to the question presented.
Support your position and arguments by using evidence from your knowledge and understanding of social studies.

Points to Consider:

What is the source arguing for and why?
What are the various positions someone could have on this topic, and why is the position you are taking more advantageous than the others?
What Principles of Individualism (PRICES)/Principles of Collectivism (PEACCC) can be identified or highlighted in the source, and why does it matter?
Based on your argument, how do individuals and or collectives/society benefit from adopting your stance?
What reasons do you have for holding your position? What historical/contemporary/hypothetical case studies can you use to prove why your stance is effective.

Gentle Reminders:

This is a formal essay, so you should use formal-third-person writing perspectives (no "I" language) and no contractions (ex: can't, won't, shouldn't)
Collectivism and Individualism are approaches to ideologies, not ideologies themselves. Communism, Liberalism, Laissez Faire Economies are ideologies.
Try to include the full source typed above your response or included in your first paragraph to provide context and flow for the reader. Additionally, this allows you as the writer to use part of the source to prove your interpretation of quote as a whole, as evidence to support your argument.

Select one of these quotes to complete the assignment.

Source 1
Giving blood has long been a common thing for people...So we must ensure that volunteerism continues. Cash for blood incentivizes the wrong behaviour. Canadian donors are not meant to be a revenue stream for private companies looking for profit. And there is evidence that a cash for blood system undermines the precious voluntary system.

-Senator Pamela Wallin

Wallin, P.(2018, May 31) Parliament of Canada. Speech presented to the Canadian Senate, Ottawa.

NOTE:
*Some provinces in Canada allow for donors to be paid for their blood donation.
*Donors in the United States are paid for their blood donations.

Source 2
As we peer into society's future, we--you and I, and our government--must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.

-President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower, D. (1961, January 17th), Oval Office. Speech presented to the American People (press copy), Washington D.C.

Would you support either of these perspectives?

Which source is more individualist? Which is more collectivist?

Do you agree with its implications for you as a potential student, for society, for taxpayers, government, and the economy?

You need to take a position on the source, and defend it by using evidence from the research sites provided below to support your position.

Once you select a source, complete Part one planning questions in the assignment.
Be sure to refer to the issue of the source and discuss how it relates to individualism and collectivism.
You do not need to refer to any other specific ideologies at this point in the course.
To start thinking about this issue in a broader context, make sure you read pages 88-89 in your textbook 'Attitudes about Individualism and Collectivism in North America'.

To learn more about how to do research on the internet, check out this tutorial.

For more information about writing the position paper in Social 30-1, go to the Course Reference Guide located at the end the Table of Contents.

How to do a source analysis using the "Shake Out Method"

Part Two: Preparing the Position Paper

Now take your planning and construct the position paper written response. Follow the guidelines included in your assignment. This will be the same format for all position papers in Social 30-1, including the course exams and Part A of the diploma.

Want to learn more about how to complete position papers?

Go to the Course Reference Guide (located at the end of the Table of Contents in this course).
Use this step-by-step guide from Alberta Education.

Save the assignment by naming the file yourname1.3.11_position_paper
When finished, select the "Add Submission" button below to upload it to the Dropbox