Resource for using with the attached instructions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oQY-8Vnb_bdQwiM77kGj_lyZJV6vqvX0/view
SOC B42 – Classical Theory 1:
Discovering the Social
Essay 1 Due: Oct 7 8 pm
Value: 15%
Aim and Substance
Your essay assignments are opportunities to critically analyze the ideas of the major theorists of
this class. You will interpret their key concepts and big picture perspectives to present an
argument which answers a question posed by the assignment. Note, this question does not have
one right answer. The goal of the assignment is not to guess the answer your TA/professor
believes. Instead, you should use your understanding of the course materials to develop and
support your own position.
Your essays are also opportunities to practise the writing and argumentation skills (ie:
making claims, avoiding logical fallacies) you are learning in tutorials.
This first essay helps reinforce (and assess) the following learning objectives from the syllabus:
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identify theoretical concepts and processes from key theorists
explain the relevance of particular concepts to specific theoretical perspectives
evaluate theories analytically in terms conceptual strengths and weaknesses
Prompt question and structure
Does Adam Smith assume that a wealthy society is the same thing as a happy society? Why or
why not?
In your introduction, you should make a claim (an argument) that takes a clear position (yes or
no) on the above question and provides one or more reasons to support your position.
The body of your essay should give evidence, from lectures and the text of the Wealth of
Nations, exploring both sides of the question: Why we might believe Smith equates wealth with
happiness and why we might not. To do this, you should draw on Smiths arguments about
human nature and its potential both to create and threaten the conditions of a wealthy, prosperous
society.
This evidence should be presented in a way that shows why your position is correct and the other
position is wrong. (ie: critique the other argument)
You should then conclude the essay by briefly explaining why the evidence you presented
supports your argument. Ideally, you should finish with a sentence or two explaining the
significance of your argument to understanding Adam Smith: how does answering this question
help us understand his big picture perspective on society?
Helpful advice
1) You do not need to discuss every relevant piece of evidence in the lectures and assigned
readings. Make choices about whats most important and persuasive to your point of view. You
should not introduce ideas in the body that are not mentioned in the introduction.
2) In general, each paragraph will be structured around one point and/or quote from an
assigned reading. A paragraph should be organized around a single idea. Your evidence (body)
paragraphs should introduce that idea as a topic sentence. Then present the point (cited
appropriately) from the reading, either paraphrased or quoted directly. Then explain briefly how
the quote or paraphrase relates to the idea in your topic sentence.
3) Your argument and evidence should remain close to the texts. Remember: youre not
arguing whether or not a wealthy society and a happy society are the same. Youre arguing
whether or not Adam Smith believes this. You can use your own ideas to explain how evidence
from the texts relates to your point. But your points themselves and the evidence to support them
should come from assigned readings. A body paragraph which has no support from assigned
readings is probably not useful to your argument.
Assessment
Essays will be graded according to your ability to present an argument addressing the prompt
and defend with the evidence from the assigned readings. Is your argument clear from the
introduction? Does it answer the question asked? Have you presented persuasive evidence from
assigned readings to support your argument? Are you explaining concepts/arguments accurately,
and choosing relevant points to make your case?
Clarity of writing (grammar, spelling, paragraphing) and a logical structure are also important.
Are you following the structure of an essay? Are points presented in a logical order? Did you
proofread carefully? Is evidence properly cited?
Length and format
Your essay should be between 4 and 6 pages. Write your essay in 12 point font, with 1 margins,
double-spaced. Please do not provide a title page.
There is no required style for citations or your bibliography page, but please keep the format
consistent.
Deadline and submission
Essays are due by 8:00 pm on October 7. You are to submit an electronic copy on Quercus.
Late submissions will be penalized 5% per day; assignments more than seven days late will not
be accepted unless a prior arrangement has been made with the instructor.
Extensions should be arranged with the instructor before the due date. When making an
extension request, make sure you propose an alternative deadline. I reserve the right to negotiate
deadlines, but reasonable requests will generally be accepted.
*** If you submit a file that is NOT .doc, .docx, or .pdf, you will receive a 0.
