PENNINO
www.classicalliberal.org
For your Government class final essay, you will choose to write about a current event that relates to the themes of
either Orwell’s 1984 or Huxley’s Brave New World; OR, you will research a topic of your choice as described below. Your
final essay must be at least two pages and should not exceed five pages in length.
FINAL ESSAY DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS
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This essay counts as a unit exam.
Failure to complete and submit this assignment by the due date voids exemption from the final exam.
-10 points per day late.
The essay must be a minimum two pages, typed, double spaced, standard margins, size 10-11 print. You must
print out your essay and staple it together. You may not print it out in Room 614. Do not ask.
Footnote, Endnote, or Parenthetical citation required.
Bibliography required.
Cover page: Course, Topic, Instructor, Due Date, Name, Period.
REQUIRED: proper citation format and bibliography format (see bibme.org or easybib.com)
Print a second copy for your records, and keep saved on your computer.
PLAGARIZED WORK WILL RECEIVE ZERO CREDIT. DO NOT “COPY AND PASTE.”
DO NOT WRITE YOUR PAPER WITH OTHERS. ALL WRITTEN WORK MUST BE DONE INDEPENDENTLY.
OPTION 1
George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World offer frightening visions of totalitarian dystopias that use
very different methods to destroy freedom. While it is unrealistic to argue that the United States could become exactly
like either of these examples, the methods of control and manipulation portrayed in these works reflect historical and
contemporary realities that offer valuable warnings. In addition, these novels offer commentary on characteristics of
human nature that can lead to the surrender of liberty and the acceptance of dictatorship.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose a news article from sources provided that relates to the subject matter of either Huxley’s Brave New World or
Orwell’s 1984. These sources are posted on our class web page (linked from the eboard).
Write an essay of approximately two pages, including introduction and conclusion. Using specific examples from both
the book and article, explain why you believe 1984 or Brave New World either
A). have little relevance for American society and government today, or
B). offer valid predictions of potential dangers that threaten to erode freedom in America.
NOTE: This is NOT a book report. Your task is to discuss trends in American political culture that may reflect situations
portrayed in the books.
See OPTION 2 on reverse side of this page.
If you choose the second option, you may return 1984 and Brave New World immediately.
OPTION 2
In this course we have studied the basic principles and philosophy of American government, republicanism, American
exceptionalism, America’s role in world affairs, 9/11 and the War on Terror, and the basic ideas of American liberals,
conservatives, and party politics. All of these subjects are discussed and debated in America today.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose two news articles or opinion pieces from a reputable source, about any current topic that relates to the subject
matter studied in this class.
The sources must have been published during this semester (August 2015 through January 2016).
The sources must represent opposing views (for example, one source pro and the other con; or one source liberal and
the other conservative).
Write an essay of approximately two pages, including introduction and conclusion. Using specific examples from the
sources, discuss the opposing positions and then explain your opinion carefully.
RECOMMENDED: use realclearpolitics.com (linked from our webpage) to find sources to use for this essay.
ESSAY AND BOOKS RETURNED DUE DATE:
On or before Friday January 15, 2016.
ESSAYS LOSE 10 POINTS OFF PER DAY LATE.