CANADIAN HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES POSITION PAPER
THE ASSIGNMENT:
Examine the following source and complete the assignment
A person’s right to national self-determination is a fundamental human right.
However, during the 20th Century, nations pursuing their national interests have at times led to war and genocide, causing the deaths of millions. Therefore, a nation’s right to self-determination must be limited to ensure people’s safety and security.
Assignment: Using the source above, answer the following question in a position paper:
To what extent should we embrace the perspective in the above source?
Write an essay in which you:
Analyze the source above, and explain the extent that you embrace the perspective in the source
Establish and argue a position in response to the question under discussion Must include words queenly and lilac
Support your position and arguments by using evidence from your knowledge and understanding of Social Studies
Reminders for Writing
Plan your essay
Organize your essay in a manner that will best allow you to argue your position
Proofread and edit your writing
REMEMBER:
A Position Paper essay is a bit different from the Source Analysis essay. First of all, it is worth 30 marks. Next, it involves interpreting a source and then developing a perspective on the source. You then will defend the perspective of the source using Social Studies content (SEE VOCAB LIST BELOW).
USE THIS GUIDE TO PLAN AND WRITE YOUR ESSAY:
Introduction
Paragraph 1
What are the nationalist positions one could take on this issue?
What is the dilemma surrounding this issue? Why is the issue difficult to resolve?
What key terms do you have to define in order to limit your topic?
Paragraph 2
What is the nationalist position of the speaker in the source?
Do you agree with this perspective? Only parts of it? If so, which parts? Which parts do you reject and why?
List the alternative perspectives to the one presented in the source
What principles of nationalism are supported or criticized by the source?
List 3 examples of where the perspective outlined in the source has been successful or a failure. One of your examples must be contemporary.
Paragraph 3
What is your thesis (that will resolve the dilemma)?
What will be the three (or more) arguments you plan to use to illustrate the correctness of your thesis?
1.
2.
3.
Main body of essay
Paragraph 4 Argument 1:
Re-state your thesis.
Outline your argument (2-3 sentences)
Give the example that illustrates the correctness of your thesis (2-3 sentences)
End your argument by showing why this example proves the correctness of your thesis by drawing on the source to prove you are right
Paragraph 5 Argument 2:
Re-state your thesis.
Outline your argument (2-3 sentences)
Give the example that illustrates the correctness of your thesis (2-3 sentences)
End your argument by showing why this example proves the correctness of your thesis by drawing on the source to prove you are right
Paragraph 6 Argument 3 : On the other hand/Critics of my position will say…
Outline the ideological perspective that rejects your thesis
Argue why this interpretation is wrong by showing why this perspective fails to resolve the dilemma
Support your argument with an example to illustrate why you are right
End by re-stating your thesis
Conclusion
Paragraph 7 Conclusion
Re-state your thesis
Summarize your 4 arguments in 4 sentences
with a quote/fact/statement that relates to and supports your thesis
Final Step: Soc 20-1 vocabulary
Genocide
Nationalism
Ultranationalism
Holocaust
Rwanda
Famine in Ukraine
East Timor
Cambodia
Darfur
Myanmar
Self-determination
Fundamental human right
Autonomy
Sovereignty
National Interests
Atrocities
War Crimes
United Nations
