Comparative essay

A comparative essay asks you to compare the ideas and arguments presented in two different texts. This involves both accurately interpreting

1. what exactly are the conclusions the author is intending to convince the reader to draw;
2. what are the reasons the author utilizes in justifying their conclusions; and finally
3. what relevance these conclusions have on the socioeconomic conditions or political thought of contemporary societies.

The basis of your comparison will be two (2) abridged selections from political thinkers of the nineteenth century. List of authors and sections you can use for your comparative analysis include:

You have the option to pick any two of the above readings to analyze. Your essay will consist of four sections: two critical summaries of the texts, a comparative analysis of both texts, and finally a critical reflection on contemporary implications. You’re essay should cite no other works than the two that chosenI’m interested in your critical reading of these political thinkers. Your essay should be no more that 1500 words. Please utilize the following structure for your essay:

Critical Summary of Authors. There should be two (2) separate sections where you provide a short reconstruction of the ideological positions presented in the text. How does the author conceive of a just and fair society? What, if any, political reforms are they advocating? Note that you need not at this stage present any counterarguments targeting other ideologies at this stage. You need only present their political position in a clear and succinct manner.

Comparative Analysis. Here is where you will list all the relevant similarities and differences between the two readings. Are there substantive disagreements between the two authors? Do the thinkers share any beliefs or prescriptions regardless of whether they are ideologically unified? Pay attention to how the texts might differ in style as well as content. Some of the texts are elements of abstract philosophical treatises while others are taken from political pamphlets meant for popular circulation. How do these stylistic differences influence the effectiveness of the overall arguments being made?

Critical Reflection on Contemporary Implications. The final section is where you reflect on whether or how the ideas in the texts inform our contemporary political situation. This requires you considering political engagements at any scale. You could focus on current trends in global politics or macroeconomics. You could write on recent changes to provincial criminal code. You could write on activist groups advocating for political change. What’s most important is that you explain how the political ideas in the primary texts either inform or critique the dynamics of contemporary political affairs.