Purpose
This essay is intended to challenge you to look back over the past semester to apply the concepts and skills you have learned as a result of this class. As a formal impromptu essay, this will also allow you to practice clear and effective writing for an academic audience.
Connected Course Outcomes
- Identify the defining characteristics of dystopia & analyze real & imagery contexts against that definition.
- Communicate effectively through writing & speaking.
- Use quantitative, empirical, and critical reasoning skills to solve problems.
- Apply socially responsible & ethical principles to promote equity & sustainability in ways that align with our mission as a historically Black and Catholic Institution.
- Demonstrate personal accountability & effective work habits.
Task
Write a short (600-900 word) essay that responds to the following prompt. Write the essay in any manner that you see fit and are comfortable working with: it could follow the traditional thesis-driven structure or a more narrative structure or some other organizational model. What matters is that you offer a thoughtful application of the concepts we have explored this semester in your attempt to answer the question.
Prompt: Is the United States in 2023 a dystopia?
As you consider your response, I have two requests as you write:
- Please write something substantial and well-considered.
- Please refer to specific concepts we have discussed in this class.
- Please use specific and document evidence to support your ideas.
Getting Started
Think of this as you would an in-class essay you might write for an in-class final exam. You might even want to set a 90-minute timer for yourself.
Think of this as you would an in-class essay you might write for an in-class final exam. You might even want to set a 60-minute timer for yourself.
- Consider the prompt;
- Start the timer;
- Write the essay before the timer ends.
- Proofread what you’ve written.
- Proofread it again.
- Then submit it on Brightspace.
Evaluation
You will not receive a grade for your annotated readings. On the Grades page, you will receive one of the following designations:
- Completed (Activity was successfully submitted and met all expectations)
- Partially completed (Activity was submitted but did not meet all expectations)
- Not completed (Activity was not submitted)
Instead of a grade or score, I will give you feedback either in writing or through a short video. My feedback will focus on how well I think your work demonstrates your efforts with the learning outcomes listed above.
EXPECTATIONS
Your annotated readings must meet all of the following in order to be considered complete:
- Be completed on time.
- Offer an honest and well-considered response to the prompt.
- Use specific examples to support your ideas.
- Be clearly written and well-organized.