Prompts: The period following 1815 saw the spread of competing political theorie

Prompts:
The period following 1815 saw the spread of competing political theories and ideologies (Conservatism, Liberalism, and Socialism, etc.). The nature of the questions asked by each was “how best to create political and social stability in a time of tremendous upheaval” and “what would be the balance between individual freedom and state authority?” The answers that emerged were strikingly different. Your task for this week is to describe the basic assumptions within each of these new “isms” and to defend one of these by comparing and contrasting it to the others in a logical and well thought out argument. Which one worked best for the period? How do these ideologies differ today: example 19th century liberalism versus liberalism today; 19th century conservatism versus conservatism today, Socialism in the 19th century versus socialism today, and so on. Remember that your initial post must be 250 words (with references) and your two responses must be 125 words each. Research is welcome, but cutting and pasting is not. Replies are due no later than Friday at 11:59 p.m. Citations and a minimum of 3 different research sources are required as usual (do not list one source twice. It will count as only one source. Limit encyclopedias to one source).
This is a critical analysis exercise that requires you research the material, to think about, and to understand the conditions under which people lived during certain periods in history. If you see flaws in other postings I expect you to point them out. But please do so kindly–do not be rude. Replies should contribute additional information taken from your research. This is a learning experience and it requires everyone to add to the conversion more than mere agreement or liking.
Remember to proof read your work for grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Guidelines for posting
After reading the chapter and viewing the video(s), complete the following 3 part assignment. Begin by first researching the topic(s). Then write the essay. You must research and cite a minimum of three individual sources to answer the prompts. Do not list the same source twice (it will count as only one source in your bibliography, though you may cite any source as often as you like.) and you must address the entire set of prompts. These sources must be parenthetically cited in your essay —example: (Spielvogel, 15.2)– and listed in your Works Cited/Bibliography at the end. If you need more information regarding proper citation, review Guide to Citations which you will find posted in module 1 and/or 2.
Remember that your initial post must be at least 250 words (at least two long paragraphs) and must include references. An additional summary paragraph is required (not included in the 250 word paragraphs). This summary should tell the reader what you learned from the sources that you selected and what the authors taught you about all of these topics in your research. It should also indicate how the information helped shape your point of view on these debate subjects,
This is a 3 part assignment. The first part, your 250 word research post. It is due on Wednesday. The second part, your two 125 word replies. They are due on Friday. “I agree” is never an acceptable response. When you do agree, your response should be well explained and should add additional information and analysis. Only one “agree” reply counts towards the requirement. Two “agree” replies count as one reply. Remember, you are teaching each other about a topic. NOTE: REPLIES SHOULD DEAL WITH THE TOPIC AND NOT WITH THE OTHER PERSONS WRITING SKILLS. Your job is to address the issues. I will address the writing and research skills in my grading and private communications with each of you.
Your post is important, but it is only as valuable as the contribution that you make to this discussion. Do your best to fully address each prompt. Do not slight or skip any aspect.
Analysis is a must. At least half of your research post should contain a critical thinking component (comparing the pros and cons and then defending one side or the other), and should be well argued. Please do not be afraid to share your perspective. There are no right or wrong answers to these prompts–only points of view. You will be graded on your analysis, not on your opinion.
DO NOT POST FILES OR LINKS IN THESE DISCUSSIONS.
I HAVE POSTED A CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT I GRADE IN THESE ASSIGNMENTS. USE THE CHECKLIST TO INSURE THAT YOU’VE INCLUDED ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS. YOU’LL FIND IT IN EACH MODULE LISTED UNDER THE PROMPTS FOR THE ESSAY.
The last paragraph of your essay must be a summation of your analysis (not included as part of the 250 word minimum requirement). Discuss what you learned from your sources and tell the reader how each source shaped or changed your point of view on this topic. Make sure you use a variety of good, reliable sources. (While encyclopedias are not a strong source for debate purposes, I will accept one as a valid option if you’re having difficulty finding good sources that lend themselve to debate. Note: One is the absolute limit).