Assignments

Essay Instructions

You can think of the essays that you will write in this course as blog posts—a more informal kind of writing where you are working out your thoughts and hope to share them with others. Your essays should be 1-2 pages, typed, double-spaced, and use Times New Roman 12-point font.

Essay 1: Democracy and Critical Thinking Due March 15th

Central Questions: How are democracy and critical thinking related? Do they support each other? How so?

In answering the central questions, you may want or need to address some or all of the following questions:

  • What is democracy? What does it mean to you?
  • What is critical thinking? What does it mean to you?
  • What are some benefits or disadvantages of democracy?
  • What are some benefits or disadvantages of critical thinking?

Essay 2: Equality Due March 29th

Central Questions: What is equality and why is it important (if it is)? What are ways that society can be made more equal?

In your essay, please critically engage with the reading: The Stone’s Interview with Elizabeth Anderson – “What’s Wrong with Inequality?” You can use some quotations or paraphrase ideas in the reading if you so choose. Think about what Elizabeth Anderson’s answers are to the central questions and whether you agree or disagree with her answers and why. Be sure not to simply summarize her ideas in your essay. You should contribute your own original thinking and perspective too.

In answering the central questions, I would suggest writing three paragraphs.

  • In the first paragraph, state your thesis, which should succinctly provide your answers to the two central questions.
  • In the second paragraph, elaborate on and support your answer to the first central question.
  • In the third paragraph, elaborate on and support your answer to the second central question.

Essay 3: Racism Due April 19th

Read George Yancy’s “Dear White America” op-ed from The Stone and then write an essay that answers the following questions:

  • What do you think is George Yancy’s understanding or definition of racism? Do you agree with his conception of racism? Why or why not?
  • How do you think racism should be understood?
  • What are some ways in which racism can be combatted?

Tips:

  • Make sure to have a clear thesis paragraph that states your main claims or what you will be arguing in the essay. Separate different ideas into different body paragraphs.
  • You might also consider reading George Yancy’s follow up piece, “Should I Give Up on White People?” (published very recently on April 16, 2018) where he reflects on people’s reactions to his “Dear White America” op-ed. You can find it at the following url and on the course website: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/opinion/white-racism-threats.html

Essay 4: Implicit Bias Due May 29th

Listen to the Philosophy Bites Podcast: “Jennifer Saul on Implicit Bias” and then write an essay that answers the following questions. Be sure to engage with the information in the podcast in some way.

  • What is implicit bias? What are some examples of implicit bias? Can you think of some examples that are not in the podcast?
  • How can implicit biases be counteracted on an individual/personal level or societal/institutional level?
Forum Presentation Instructions

Forum Presentation Instructions and Rubric

Immigration: Monday, April 9 Immigration: Tuesday, April 10
Rashid
Mohammad
Shakir
Eve
Marcelin
Janect
Josue
Frank
Gun Control: Monday, April 30 Gun Control: Tuesday, May 1
Adam
BC
Chandanie
Rebecca
Isaiah
Phillip
Sergio
Domenica
Nelly
Naim
Anthony
Chidera
#MeToo Movement: Tuesday, May 29 #MeToo Movement: Thursday, May 31
Betty
Lauren
Tashae
Gavriel
Lesley
Jael
Research Project Instructions

Critical Thinking Research Project Overview
Step 1 – Topic Selection Rubric
Step 2 – Field Research Rubric
Step 3 – Topical Research Rubric
Step 4 – Extended Outline Rubric
Step 5 – Final Paper Rubric

Step 3 – Topical Research Example

Participation Rubric

Participation Rubric