Essay : Understanding Societal Control

Due: 19 march 2014 7pm

Length: 1600 words

Subject : world history and geography

This assignment encourages students to take a critical glance at governmental tactics at gaining societal control. Pick one of the following topics and write a 1600 word essay that addresses the set question in relation to one of the listed contexts. The paper should be argumentative in nature, make mention of at least one government policy from the time and demonstrate effective research that supports your chosen thesis. Include a title page and reference list with your submission.

1. Why have regimes typically targeted youth populations to aid in monitoring society? What were the problematic implications of such a choice?
2. Why were intellectuals and academics often targeted for interrogations that sought to root out any threat to the ruling authority? What were the problematic implications of such a pursuit?
3. How successful was the use of propaganda, targeted at a specific foe, in creating social unity? Why was this particular foe/enemy chosen?

Contexts (Choose 1 upon which to base your discussion):

a. Nazi Lead Germany
b. Mao’s Communist China
c. McCarthy Era America

Grading: Students will receive marks based on the strength and relevancy of their thesis and their ability to support this with reliable and well researched information. Students should seek to demonstrate thorough and diligent research by incorporate a wide range of resources in their reference list. Structure, formatting and proofing are important and contribute toward the final mark . Quotations and the final reference list are not included in the word count.
zero plagiarism is required for this assessment.

Learning Outcomes Assessed:
* Develop a sound understanding of geography and historical events concerning both ancient and modern worlds.
* Develop and apply effective critical literacy and analytical skills
*Produce articulate written responses in essay format.