Extra Credit Essay Options PLSC 261, Winter 2016

You may submit one of the following extra credit essays (Choose 1 of the 3 below) (due with the Final Exam).

2.5 pages double spaced. Please use Times New Roman 12 font or similar. Double spaced, normal margins, please. Please respond directly to the prompt. You don't need a lengthy introduction or conclusion, since your essay should be structured as a response to the prompt.

#1

Please describe traditional conservatism, as described by Michael Oakeshott, in On Being Conservative. Is traditional conservatism a rigid theoretical doctrine (like socialism), according to Oakeshott, or is it something else? Explain – be sure to use quotes from Oakeshott. What is the proper scope of governmental action, according to Oakeshott?

Identify any 2 political or cultural issues that you think would benefit from a more traditional conservative approach (such as conservation of the environment, etc).

OR

#2

Is Individualist Conservatism and the “Reagan-Rove” coalition (see lecture slides in Conservatism 2 ppt) still the best foundation for American Conservatism today and for the Republican Party? Be sure to describe what the Reagan-Rove coalition was and recognize how important it was to the Republican Party and their political strategy since Reagan was elected in 1980.

Explain how you think the Reagan-Rove Coalitioncould bechanged or improvedfor 2016 and beyond. Please provide at least 2-3 reasons to support your argument.

Reminder: 2.5 pages. Please use Times New Roman 12 or similar font. Double spaced, normal margins. Please respond directly to the prompt. You don't need a general introduction or conclusion, since your essay should be structured according to the prompt.

OR

#3

Marx argued that the proletariat must lose its “false consciousness” in order to realize its true interest. As we discussed in class/textbook, critical western marxists argue that commodification (entertainment, celebrity culture, etc.) may act as a new kind of “false consciousness.”

Explain how entertainment, consumerism, marketing, or internet technology helps to create “increased commodification” that becomes prevalent/dominant that it is a kind of false consciousness. If you wish, you can focus the essay on the film The Corporationto explain how advertising & marketing might create a “false consciousness” that may work against realizing /questioning the motives & actions of large corporate interests. As we discussed in class, you can focus on Chapters 10, 11, & 12 of The Corporation (links are on the main webpage).