In this paper, students will compare the normative ideas and political implications of the thinkers Joseph Schumpeter, Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes regarding their view on capitalism. The objective of this assignment is to write an argumentative/ persuasive and comparative essay that considers the ideas of Karl Marx, Joseph Schumpeter and John Maynard Keynes about what capitalism is and what their normative ideas, and political/ policy prescriptions are, essentially whether it is a good economic system and how and whether it can be changed. This assignment is a persuasive/argumentative essay described by Shea and Whitla as an essay that, "...presents an argument that attempts to persuade a reader that the position you are defending is valid...Your case will depend upon your evidence and how you marshal it for your purposes. You might also take into account opposing theoretical positions being fair to them. Your research will have provided evidence for you, and now your task is to organize it effectively by means of a workable outline and a modifiable thesis statement...The position would require qualification, consideration of conflicting data, and interpretations of those data, all structured in a logical order supporting your position." (Shea and Whitla, 2005, p. 228-229). These papers must be in the range of 1000-1250 words, not including the bibliography. The purpose of this comparative essay is for students to: 1. Demonstrate that they understand and can compare the different interpretations of capitalism put forward by the three thinkers 2. To develop an argument about what capitalism is and whether it can be changed based on the student's own interpretation and opinion after comparing each theory. In the essay, you can agree or disagree with any or all the thinkers; the point of the assignment is to describe and compare their understandings of what capitalism is and to present a persuasive argument about what you think capitalism is and what its effects on society are.