Overview
I need help with Week 2 for my UCLA class (Gender Studies & History M180B). I will upload the syllabus PDF so you can follow the instructions exactly.
WEEK 2 TOPIC:
Theories of how knowledge changes:
- Progress theory
- Evolutionary theory
- Paradigm shift (Thomas Kuhn)
WHAT TO READ: Use about 30 pages total from sources explaining:
- Progress theory (scientific method, waves of feminism)
- Evolutionary epistemology / cultural evolution
- Paradigm shift + normal science (Thomas Kuhn)
You can use academic or reliable sources (Stanford Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, etc.).
WHAT TO WRITE: Write ONE response (~500 words total, NOT split into two sections like Week 1).
You must compare ALL THREE theories in ONE response.
STRUCTURE (VERY IMPORTANT):
Answer these clearly:
- What are the three theories of change?
- Explain each briefly:
- Progress (knowledge improves over time)
- Evolutionary (random variation + selection)
- Paradigm shift (sudden major changes in thinking)
- What are their differences?
- How does each explain change differently?
- Which theory is most useful for understanding changes in knowledge (especially intersectional issues)?
- Pick ONE and explain why
- Apply analytic thinking (same as Week 1):
- Identify each theory’s main idea (like a hypothesis)
- Explain how each theory “studies” or explains change (methods/approach)
- Show how knowledge is being produced or explained
AI REQUIREMENT (REQUIRED):
Include a section at the end:
AI Comparison:
- Say I used 2 AI tools (ChatGPT + another AI like Gemini)
- Use them to compare the THREE theories
- Briefly explain how their answers differed (one more simple, one more analytical, etc.)
IMPORTANT RULES:
- Do NOT just summarize — compare and analyze
- Keep it clear and simple (not overly formal)
- No citations needed except basic mentions if used
- No title page
- No references page
- Paragraph format only
STYLE:
- Around 500 words total
- Sound like a student, not AI
- Keep explanations straightforward
KEY CONCEPTS TO MENTION:
- How knowledge changes over time
- Different ways of explaining change
- Intersectionality (how social factors affect knowledge)
- Power in knowledge production
GOAL: Compare the 3 theories clearly and explain which one is most useful and why.
Do not overcomplicate it — just make it structured, clear, and analytical.