social science 32
NOTE: Pick one of the following topics and write an essay (word limit 800-1000 words).
Instructions: Citations and “quotes†from course texts are required. These must include the author and page number, e.g. “certain cultural forms of life…must be instilled in people in order to reproduce these alienated social relations†(McNally, p. 114). It would be best to start your short answer with a quote from the text most centrally connected to the term. Each answer must be followed by a word count (e.g. word count= 187). For a guide to doing this, see here. Attach a bibliography at the end in either MLA or APA format.
Part I: Terms
NOTE: Write one paragraph per term, on 5 of the terms below (word limit 200-250 words)
Instructions: Using at least one of the course texts, define the following terms or concepts in relation to one of the authors (clearly identify which one) discussed in the course and explain their meaning and significance in relation to a social issue of importance to the study of business and society. Use a creative reading or scene from one of the films watched in lecture, in addition to the social scientific text, to provide illustrations of the concepts.
The terms are attached.
Part II: Essay
NOTE: Pick one of the following topics and write an essay (word limit 800-1000 words).
Instructions: Citations and “quotes†from course texts are required. These must include the author and page number as above. You will need to begin your essays with a proper introduction, including a thesis statement. Draw on at least four of the readings covered in the winter term (you can refer to fall term readings in addition to these), pay specific attention to identifying and defining central concepts, and provide illustrations from the lectures, tutorial, and films. Follow your essay with a word count (e.g. word count= 876 words).
1. Does capitalism promote or undermine individual freedom? Compare and contrast Friedman and McNally on their respective conceptions of capitalism, individual freedom and the relation between them. Use Le Guin to illustrate your understanding of these opposing views.
2. Is the age of leisure and abundance within reach? What are the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios outlined by Keynes? What are the four futures outlined by Frase? In your view, which is most likely, and which most desirable?
3. Should the corporation have legal and ethical obligations to society beyond promoting the private interests—maximizing profits—of shareholders? Compare Friedman’s critique of the doctrine of social responsibility with Glasbeek’s. Use Garrett and Steinbeck to illustrate these arguments.
I will provide you the regarding readings to write the terms and the essay.
