Political Science 102
1) Select any two opinion articles from two different newspapers (San Diego Union
Tribune, LA Times etc.), journals (Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs etc), or
newsmagazines (Time, Newsweek, US News and World report) or any combination of
these or similar sources. The articles must deal in some manner with an issue affecting
California, or the US Government, or involve the government or politics of the US or the
state of California (for example our energy and immigration problems, strategies to deal
with them etc.). The articles must present differing viewpoints regarding the same topic.
2) Identify the theme of each article. What is the author’s point? What arguments does
he/she make FOR their point of view? Are there any arguments made AGAINST
opposing points of view? Write down a BRIEF (“just the facts…”) summary of each
article.
3) Compare and contrast each article’s arguments.
4) Which is more persuasive to you? Why? Explain your reasoning clearly.
Essay length should be about 3-5 pages, typewritten, double-spaced.
Your paper must include extra-textual research as evidenced by your including a
bibliography listing at least TWO other sources besides your textbooks, which you have
read and cited (APA, MLA or other standard citation formats) in your paper.
