Then, FOR THE ARTICLE YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE ON, you will type a 1000-1500 word response in which you address EACH of the following four questions IN YOUR OWN WORDS : 1) What is the author’s main argument? 2) How does he support his main argument (evidence, ancillary arguments, etc.)? 3) Do you agree or disagree with him? 4) Why or why not?
A WORD OF WARNING : These articles rather long and very complex. The author likes to make extensive use of his copious vocabulary, so I strongly urge you to have dictionary.com handy as you work your way through your chosen article. The purpose of this essay assignment is for you to demonstrate your ability to discuss, analyze, and evaluate complex philosophic arguments. The following standards are numbered in order of importance for grading.
Essay demonstrates an understanding of the material: The student has correctly grasped a philosophical problem or question, has explained it accurately, and on the basis of a substantially correct interpretation of any texts involved. Key terms are used correctly. The essay shows evidence of the student’s independent thought, and is written in his or her distinctive voice. Quotations are used, when appropriate, to support the writer’s analysis, and an explanation is offered for each quotation.
25 points
Essay has clear and coherent argument: There is a clearly stated thesis, and support for this thesis in the body of the paper. Each paragraph contributes to this argument, and follows logically from the paragraph before it. The argument presented is persuasive.
25 points
Essay fulfills assigned task: The essay addresses the entire assigned question or topic, elaborating on important ideas in satisfactory depth, but without bringing in anything extraneous or irrelevant. The introduction of the essay focuses and provides clarity for the paper. Important terms are clearly and accurately defined. Each paragraph conveys a coherent, organized thought.
20 points
Essay obeys standards for good persuasive writing: the writer shows that he or she is comfortable using philosophical language, and the prose is clear, not awkward. The structure of the sentences reflects the relationships between/among the ideas discussed.
15 points
Essay is technically correct: The essay has been carefully and thoughtfully proofread. The argument is written in complete sentences, with punctuation that does not mislead the reader. There are no mistakes in spelling, grammar, word choice, and punctuation.
15points
Any cutting and pasting you do without crediting the source will result in penalties appropriate to the offense—such a zero on the paper and/or failing the class. Plagiarized papers do not get a second chance in this class. Thus: Anyone who cuts and pastes should be VERY careful to give credit for even the most minor amount. If you didn’t write it yourself but took material from anyone else, even an encyclopedia, medical database, The New Yorker magazine or a friend or even your grandmother’s insights shared over dinner, you need to credit it properly.
