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Econ 3302 Extra Credit Writing Assignment – Fall 2020

It has been stated that the art of thinking is best carried out by writing. Accordingly, to be sure

our educational pursuits are more than an ephemeral experience, a thoughtful writing

assignment is important.

Per the syllabus, we initially had a required written assignment, however, we’re modifying

scaling back this assignment.

Our writing assignment is now strictly Extra Credit and is worth 12 points.

If you choose to participate, you are to submit 2 full pages of work, typed & double-spaced

over one of the topics noted below. The paper will be due with our Final Exam. Naturally

you may submit this early, but it will NOT be accepted late.

1. “Defund the Police” – This phrase has become a mantra to many on the left side of the

political spectrum. However, the exact meaning of the policy is murky. While some

proponents are literally seeking a complete abolishment of the standard “Police” department

as we know it, others suggest some sophistication with calls to “re-define” the role of police.

Nonetheless, this movement seems to have established a line of demarcation in regards to

social policy and debate.

- What does this phrase mean to you? Define and explain. Is it Positive or Negative?

- - What are the deleterious effects? (Some are already being seen.)

- Explain how you see such a policy being implemented and how do you see it playing out?

- What economic principles or theory do you see as being applicable or of concern in this discussion?

Update --- as we’ve moved further into the year and crime rates have risen, even those clamoring for removal

(such as Minneapolis City Council) appear to be having 2 nd

thoughts as to the wisdom of such a policy.

2. “The Border Wall” – Another topic which draws emotion from our divided country.

- What do you see as the purpose of such a policy?

- Do you see this as a Positive or Negative? Both?

- Do you see this as an effective tool of crime prevention, particularly in regards to drug trafficking?

- What economic principles or theory do you see as being applicable or of concern in this discussion?

3. “The Economics of Rioting” – Notice, this is for ‘rioting’ not protesting --- there is a

significant difference. As we ponder the recent rioting in many U.S. cities, you are to consider

the economic impact on businesses, the immediate neighborhood, the city itself and beyond.

- What do you see as the economic impact? You might reference relevant historical comparisons.

- What are the deleterious effects of these events?

- Do you see this as a short-run or long-run issue?

- What economic principles or theory do you see as being applicable or of concern in this discussion?

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:

- I will set this up as a Short-Answer assignment in the Canvas Assignment Module.

- You will upload your writing to that Canvas site as a Word Doc or PDF.

- 2 Pages total, double-spaced.

- You are welcome and likely should document at least one outside source.

o You are welcome to use more than one source.

o Our textbook may count as a 2 nd

source only.

- Include your own thoughts/opinion/critique of the topic as part of conclusion.

- You have freedom of thought and expression on this. You’re in college where diverse

and/or opposing ideas are to be welcome, not “cancelled.” Hence, you should write

what you think.

- Due date will be 12/14 – 8:15pm

- NOTE – I included a number of questions below each topic which are meant as a guide.

I would expect many of those questions to be answered at some point in your essay.

- Again, you are essentially “writing” an essay in paragraph form. Don’t think of this as

merely answering a ‘list’ of questions.