critical thinking essay
One of the topics that we have read about in this class this semester is the responsibilities writers and artists have to their work, their subjects and their audience. Whether it’s a student’s responsibility to work honestly or a biographer’s promise to be faithful to his subject’s life story, the ethics of art and writing creates complications. For your first paper you will analyze one instance of a writer or artist profiting off the telling of someone else’s story, and then discuss the complications and arguments associated with that piece.
For your first writing assignment, you’ll use the strategies outlined in the AB Guide, to write a summary/strong response essay based on ONE of the following options:
1. Radio Lab’s “The Living Room”: http://www.radiolab.org/story/living-room/
2. Missing Richard Simmons, “Episode One”: https://www.missingrichardsimmons.com/
3. Serial Podcast, “Episode One-The Alibi” https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/1/the-alibi
Your essay will include (1) a summary of the issues behind the particular piece of media that you’ve chosen, and (2) a strong response in which you speak back to that reading using critical thinking and centers on the tension between story telling vs. exploitation. (3) A conclusion in which you state your stance in the argument. This is the place in your essay where you should assert your opinion on the subject of storytelling vs. exploitation, and which side the creator of the piece falls on.
You may (and should!) consult the additional resources that I’ve placed on Blackboard about the pieces above as you construct your response, however no outside research is required.
To generate ideas for response look to the question-asking strategies in the AB Guide in Chapter 2 and 3. You are not limited to a rhetorical critique, an ideas critique, or a personal reflection, but can think of your response as a “blended” approach where one or all of these strategies might appear in your paper. Envision your audience as fellow students or instructors who might not be familiar with the piece and who might want to use it as a resource.
Elements of the Summary/Strong Response Essay
See Figure 5.2, p. 111, for a general framework, and consider the following guidelines as you shape and draft your essay.
Introductory paragraph (150-250 words)
Sets up the problem or topic as context for the introduction of your chosen piece.
Introduces your selection with the creator’s name, title, context, and author’s central claim or main idea.
· Concludes with a tension-filled thesis that sets up clear expectations for the direction of your essay and gives your reader a sense of the points you will develop and discuss. Your thesis will express your judgment about the text in terms of rhetorical strategies, successes or problems, or possibly questions it has raised in your mind. See pp. 109-110 for sample thesis statements.
Summary of the piece (150-250 words)
Retains the balance of the original work. You can generally follow the order of the original essay, keeping the proportions of the summary roughly equivalent to the proportions of the original text.
Includes author tags to distinguish the author’s viewpoints from your own. The summary does not include your opinion.
Includes at least one direct quotation, folded into your own sentence. Use author tags and introductory phrases to incorporate direct quotes into your sentences.
Response paragraphs supporting your thesis
Relate to your thesis and organize your response for your reader.
Address the author’s argument, main points, and/or ideas
Relate logically to each other, easing your reader through your ideas with transitions.
Support your judgments with reasons and concrete evidence from the podcast.
Express your judgment about the text in terms of rhetorical strategies, successes or problems the piece you are analyzing sets up.
Conclusion
Leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your stance toward the piece you are analyzing. Consider also pointing your reader toward ideas beyond your own response to the text or a restatement of your thesis. Could you, for example, suggest how this text might be applied, or what its implications are, or how it contributes to the larger conversation surrounding the topic?
New page entitled Work Cited or References
Gives the formal citation for your article in MLA format. You can find models for MLA by consulting:
1) Your textbook
2) The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/, or
3) The Bedford/St. Martin’s Research & Documentation Guide http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/.
Formatting:
-12 pt font in Times New Roman, Cambria, or Garamond
-1 inch margins
-double spaced
Length: 1500 – 2000 words
Breakdown of Points:
Each mechanical, grammar, and usage error is worth .25 of a point. Errors that involve comprehension, format, logic and flow within the areas below will be evaluated individually.
1. Introduction with claim 20%
2. Summary 20%
3. Response Body Paragraphs 25%
4. Conclusion 20%
5. Grammar, Spelling, Usage & Formatting 15%
