Culture and Society

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Module Information

Assignment Details

Task

For this assessment, you are required to write an argumentative research essay that demonstrates your understanding of complex debates related to the chosen topic. Your essay should present a critical argument showcasing your comprehension of opposing viewpoints. The essay must adhere to proper academic structure and include a clear thesis statement, well-organised main body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a reference list.

Instructions:

· Choose one of the provided topics that interest you. The questions are designed to help you make connections between the different debates explored on the module.

· Start your research with reviewing/rewatching the relevant lectures and finding relevant core readings. Make notes and establish your initial position on the topic.

· Explore additional sources to find more support for your argument and any counter-arguments. Review your position on the topic.

· Plan your essay and create an outline.

· Your introduction should include a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument.

· The main body of your essay should consist of 3 to 4 well-structured paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Present your argument, provide evidence from the sources, and critically analyse the information. Ensure that each paragraph addresses the thesis statement.

· Incorporate arguments and ideas that challenge your main thesis (i.e. counter-arguments). Address these opposing perspectives and analyse their strengths and weaknesses (i.e. refute the counter-arguments).

· Connect the different debates within your chosen topic. Show how various perspectives interrelate and influence each other.

· Present a well-reasoned and critical argument throughout your essay. Engage with the sources and provide thoughtful analysis rather than mere description.

· Your conclusion should summarise the key points of your essay and restate your thesis in light of the arguments presented.

· Include a properly formatted reference list at the end of your essay (it must be on a new page). Your reference list must include:

ü At least one relevant lecture.

ü A minimum of two core readings provided in the course material.

ü At least two independently found academic sources from reputable journals or scholarly books.

Essay questions:

1. Multiculturalism and Nationalism:

To what extent is multicultural civic nationalism, which prioritises individual and minority rights, a viable form of nationalism within liberal-democratic states?

2. Race and Imperialism:

To what extent does neo-imperialism perpetuate racial inequalities in the modern world? Select one or two of the following factors - economic exploitation, cultural dominance, or political influence - to support your argument.

3. Gender and Sexuality:

To what extent has the fight for a) sexual orientation equality; or b) gender equality reached its objectives? Choose either a or b and argue whether further activism is still required to advocate for these rights.

4. Ethics and the Law:

To what extent should the government be involved in judging and influencing personal choices, for example gambling, using drugs or having an abortion? Support your answer with at least two of the following moral theories: natural law, divine command theory, utilitarianism, moral relativism, Kantian ethics.

5. Religion and Marxism:

While the Marxist critique of religion provides valuable insights into the socio-economic dynamics, it fails to fully capture a) the diverse ways in which religion influences politics; b) the human need for meaning and community that can shape societies beyond material considerations. Do you agree? Choose either a or b.

6. Marxism, Liberalism and Conservatism:

To what extent do you agree with the liberal idea that society is best understood as a collection of individuals?  Refer to either a Marxist or a conservative critique in order to justify your answer.

Please name your assignment with your student number. Please follow this format: CS_Essay_student number, e.g. ‘CS_Essay_20174534’.

Word Limit

The word count for this task is 1200 words. Title and reference list are not included in this total. Assignments exceeding this word limit by more than 5%, i.e. over 1260 words, will be penalised .

There is no penalty for under-length assignments; however, assignments that are more than 5% below the word count are unlikely to give adequate answers to the questions set.

Style and Referencing Guidance

Use 12pt Arial or Times New Roman font. Written assignments should be 1.5-line spaced, with a single empty line between paragraphs.

You must fully reference your assignment (i.e. use in-text author/date/page citations and provide a full reference list at the end). Please use APA 7^th Referencing Style .