Overview
POLS 101-01 Introduction to Political Science: Politics Podcast Writing Assignment Length: 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages
Purpose Disagreement among citizens concerning issues of justice and the common good is a central feature of modern democratic societies. A fundamental premise of this course is that the necessary starting point for the study of politics is not definitions and theories formulated by political scientists but rather an examination of the opinions that citizens hold about important political matters. A key component of this course has therefore been our weekly discussion of some of the most significant and contentious political issues facing the United States today. The purpose of this writing assignment is to help you to think more deeply about some of the different opinions that are held about a significant political or policy issue of your choosing facing the United States today. Assignment Select ONE episode of a podcast from the list of politics podcasts below. Listen to it carefully and then in a 2-3-page typed, double-spaced essay: • Explain one or two of the issues discussed in the podcast. If you need additional background information to help you write this part of the paper, you can search online but be sure to cite any sources you use. • Summarize the opposing arguments on the issue or issues discussed in the podcast you selected. • Take a side on the issue or issues (it could be one of those presented in the podcast or a different one not presented). Give reasons to support whatever position you take. Use of AI & Citing Your Sources Do not use any generative AI tools to write this paper. I want to see you make and support arguments based on your own reflection on what you heard in the podcast. Be sure to provide in your paper the name of the podcast you selected and the title of the episode. If you consult any additional sources for the paper, be sure to cite those using a standard citation style. The Purdue Online Writing Lab is a useful resource for explaining how to cite different types of sources, including podcasts. Here is a link. Politics Podcasts To write your paper, select one episode from one of these podcasts, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or iHeartRadio. • The Opinions • Post Reports • The NPR Politics Podcast • Tangle • Open to Debate • Left, Right & Center • Not Another Politics Podcast