Overview
Only use what I provide you and nothing else ( my professor is very clear to only use what we have read this semester in class)
Assignment Synopsis: The purpose of this assignment is to develop your own philosophy using a moment in your life, and importantly, to demonstrate a depth of understanding of at least two of the philosophers we’ve studied in our class so far.
Final Product: Choose one of the following: Write an essay. Length Requirement: 3-5pages; Double spaced; 10 or 12 point font: Arial or Times New Roman OR Produce a podcast or video. Length Requirement: 10-12 minutes in length, edited for clarity and coherence, OR Produce a mixed media project with images/graphics, captions/short paragraphs, original artwork/photos. Length requirement: talk with me about your plan. This assignment is 20% of your overall grade. Submitted on the course website (Moodle) OR by email by 11:59pm on May 2. |
Instructions:
First, think of your first or earliest memory from your life. This could be something seemingly insignificant, or something significant. Describe this memory in your paper in as much detail as possible.
Next, if you had to develop a philosophy of life based on this first memory, what would it be? Imagine the memory as the opening scene of a movie, and you are the protagonist. What do you predict will be the personality, experience, or purpose of this protagonist’s life, based on this opening scene? Think about some of these questions: what role does the body play in this memory? What role do thoughts play in this memory? What role do others play in this memory? Who are they? What is the context of this memory? Does it take place in a specific location or time? If so, where and when? What clues might these questions give about the purpose of this character’s (you) life purpose?
Now, think about what two of the philosophers we have studied so far in our class might say about this memory and/or the life purpose or philosophy you’ve developed. ONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS MUST BE SOMEONE WE ENCOUNTERED IN THE SECOND HALF OF OUR SEMESTER. Demonstrate your understanding of two philosophers from our class by exploring in depth their thoughts about the purpose of life, memory, and anything that came up as you were writing about your memory. Use direct quotes from sources we’ve encountered so far in class to illustrate your point. As a reminder, (you need to include two in your paper):
John Paul Sartre (a second half of the class philosopher)
Simone de Beauvoir (a second half of the class philosopher)
Your conclusion should attempt to articulate a life philosophy, however tentative, based on this early memory and the demonstrated understanding of two philosophers.
Essay 2 Grading Rubric: 120 points possible
A level: 90-120 B level:: 80-89 C level: 70-79 D level: 60-69 F level work: below 60
Grading Elements | Points Possible |
Did the student describe an early memory in detail? | ? / 5 |
Did the student describe a life philosophy based on the details of the memory? | ? / 5 |
Did the student include two of the philosophers we’ve studied so far? | ? / 5 |
Did the student end with a conclusion that proposed a tentative life philosophy including insights from two philosophers? | ? / 5 |
Did the student demonstrate clear, logical flow of thought throughout the essay, especially connecting the thoughts of the two philosophers to the life philosophy/memory? | ? / 20 |
Did the student demonstrate a meaningful and accurate understanding of the two philosophers included in the essay, including well-chosen quotes from the class readings? | ? / 20 |
Did the student demonstrate the ability to draw a philosophically meaningful conclusion from the exercise? | ? / 10 |
Was the student’s paper or project well organized? (i.e. include distinct paragraphs or sections, an introduction and a conclusion?) | ? / 10 |
Did the student meet the requirements for length, spacing, and font size? | ? / 10 |
Did the student follow grammar conventions (spelling, sentence structure, proper use of quotations, etc?) | ? / 10 |
Did the student visit the writing center or Tech lab for help with drafting and editing? (please provide proof---a note from staff) | +20 |
TOTAL | ? / 120 |
I would like a grade letter ( C ) for this essay please it doesnt have to be any higher or Even a high ( D ) for a letter grade