Anger Helps Democracy

Ground Rules:

• Papers should be 1250-1500 words (approximately 5-6 pages) in length double-spaced, in twelve-point Times New Roman font (or the equivalent), with reasonable margins.
• Do not restate the prompt on the first page of your paper.
• Do not write one sentence on page five and consider your work done. If your paper is five pages in length, then all five pages should be full.
• You must turn in your paper via Canvas by Wednesday, October 6 by 12pm. If you fail to do this, your paper will be counted as late.
• As per the syllabus, this essay is worth 20% of your final grade. The highest grade a late paper can receive in the absence of a legitimate excuse is a “C+.” You have plenty of time to write; do not wait until the last minute.
• This is a short paper, but that does not mean it is an “easy” paper. In fact, the short length is meant to make the assignment more challenging. Make every word count.

Prompt:

Drawing on the readings we’ve done in class so far, compose an essay that reflects on the potential risks and benefits of powerful emotions like anger for democratic politics. Be sure your essay responds directly to the following questions: Can anger be politically constructive? Can it bolster and strengthen democracy in any way? Can anger be politically destructive? Can it threaten and undermine democracy in any way? Is anger a helpful quality for a good democratic citizen to possess or should a good democratic citizen work to tame and suppress their anger?

Helpful Hints:

1. Your paper must have an argumentative thesis statement. This is the first key to writing a good paper. Your paper should show knowledge of the required course readings in the course of defending an argumentative claim that responds to the question asked. You should state your thesis clearly and concisely in the first paragraph of your paper.
2. This leads to the second key to writing a good paper; namely, providing ample, well-chosen textual evidence. It is important to use numerous, brief textual citations to demonstrate the strength of the thesis you choose. Apart from lectures, in-class films, and class discussions, no outside sources should be used. Parenthetical citation with relevant page numbers is sufficient (i.e., Author, p. #). Remember, the difference between good argument and mere opinion or bald assertion is well chosen textual evidence.
3. It is useful to make an outline of your arguments before you start writing. If you would like me to review your outline, you are welcome to arrange a time to meet with me, visit me during my regularly scheduled office hours, or email me your outline. I will not review drafts of your papers, so please do not ask me to.