Introduction to Political Theory
Critical Analysis Paper
Instructions: In roughly 2000-2200 words, or, 8pgs double-spaced 12pt font (note: there will be
penalties for infringing on the stated length requirements) undertake a comparative critical
analysis of a key political concept, topic or theme studied in this course. You should begin by
choosing an idea, concept or issue addressed by two separate thinkers.

Your first task in the paper is to reconstruct the relevant arguments/concept you have chosen
to analyze/compare in the paper. Having reconstructed the arguments/concepts, you paper
should then build toward an evaluation as to what position/argument (or what aspects of
position/argument) is preferable, taking care to justify your stance (i.e. to reflect on the
assumptions/grounds of your evaluation and to provide reasons to justify them). Your primary
tasks in the essay are to:

• 1) Demonstrate that you understand the concepts of the thinkers you are analyzing;
reconstruct the chain of reasoning at work in a text;
• 2) Demonstrate the ability to analyze features of arguments/positions; establish a
comparative analysis that clearly identifies why/how the thinkers differ/overlap on a
similar theme/issue
• 3) Demonstrate the ability to build and defend a coherent and justifiable normative
evaluation of the competing/complementary perspectives