AP Comparative Government and Politics Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop: Political Economy and Globalization
Objective
This workshop will engage students in the analysis of political economy and globalization using public domain texts. Students will develop critical reading, analytical writing, and comparative skills through guided discussions and assessments.
Required Readings
  1. Adam Smith - The Wealth of Nations (1776) - Excerpts
    • Focus on the division of labor and the role of free markets.
  2. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels - The Communist Manifesto (1848) - Excerpts
    • Focus on critiques of capitalism and class struggle.
  3. John Maynard Keynes - The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money (1936) - Excerpts
    • Focus on government intervention in the economy.
  4. Immanuel Kant - Perpetual Peace (1795) - Excerpts
    • Discusses early ideas on international cooperation.
  5. Woodrow Wilson - Fourteen Points Speech (1918) - Excerpts
    • Introduces principles of globalization and internationalism.
Workshop Structure
​Session 1: Foundations of Political Economy
  • Discuss the main economic systems: capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies.
  • Analyze how Smith, Marx, and Keynes provide different perspectives on economic governance.
  • SAQ Practice:
    1. Define and explain the concept of the "invisible hand" as described by Adam Smith.
    2. Compare Karl Marx’s view on capitalism with Adam Smith’s.
    3. Explain Keynes’ argument for government intervention in the economy.
Session 2: Globalization and Its Political Implications
  • Define globalization and its dimensions: economic, political, and cultural.
  • Examine Kant and Wilson’s ideas on international cooperation.
  • Discuss contemporary implications of globalization using historical frameworks.
  • SAQ Practice:
    1. Explain how Kant’s ideas on perpetual peace relate to modern globalization.
    2. Identify and describe two effects of globalization on state sovereignty.
    3. How did Wilson’s Fourteen Points reflect early globalization efforts?
Session 3: FRQ Writing and Analysis
  • Review FRQ structure: thesis development, supporting evidence, and comparative analysis.
  • FRQ Practice:
    1. Compare and contrast how Adam Smith and Karl Marx would respond to modern globalization trends.
    2. Evaluate the impact of Keynesian economic policies on globalization efforts.
    3. Assess how globalization has challenged the traditional concept of state sovereignty, using examples from the readings.
Session 4: Workshop and Peer Review
  • Students submit FRQ responses for peer review.
  • Discussion of strong thesis statements and use of evidence.
  • Final revisions and submission of a polished FRQ response.
Assessment and Reflection
  • Grading will be based on the AP Comparative Government rubric.
  • Students will reflect on how different perspectives shape economic and political decisions in a globalized world.
By the end of this workshop, students will gain a deeper understanding of political economy and globalization, enhancing their ability to analyze and compare political systems effectively.
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