W2 Assignment 1: Reading Reflection Essay
Purpose: The following assignment is designed to give you experience in defining a belief and observe the means of justification you use as you describe your belief. When you’ve completed this assignment, you’ll have practiced identifying knowledge in its classical form, and you’ll have evaluated a model of justification. You are doing this assignment to a) experience and reflect upon the foundations of belief, and b) to prepare for the assignment in Week 3.
Instructions: Spend a few minutes reflecting on something you believe in deeply. This could be a facet of your faith/religion, your political point of view, or an issue that is often debated publicly. Please complete in APA format, and include citations if used.
- Part 1: Describe this belief in detail in 300-400 words. Here are some starting points for you to consider:
- What are some of the grounds upon which you believe this position to be true (more than one)?
- Whose testimony do you trust to provide support?
- What data do you rely upon to support your belief?
- How does your worldview provide support?
- Be sure to avoid generalities and be as specific as possible.
- Part 2: Reflect upon how it feels when others disagree with your position on this issue in 600-800 words. You may consider addressing the following:
- What do you believe they are missing?
- What justification do others use to believe something else?
- How would one go about establishing truth in this scenario? Try your best to understand the other person, rather than dismissing them with your evidence.
- How do they come to a different conclusion?
Note: Be mindful of the topic you select as you will be using this topic multiple times throughout the course. In week 3 you will argue one side of the topic and then in week 5, you will argue the other side. For example, if your topic is climate change, in week 3 you would argue in favor of the existence of climate change, in week 5 you would write from the other perspective that climate change does not exist. If you are not comfortable taking the other side, select another topic!
Be sure to review the assignment rubric before submitting your assignment to see how your instructor will be grading your work.
| Reading Reflection Essay Rubric | ||
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Part 1: Student described in detail a specific belief (300-400 words). | 25 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Part 2: Student provided a detailed reflection on the experience of disagreement (600-800 words). | 25 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome The essay was written clearly, coherently and included clear introductory and concluding paragraphs. | 15 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Limited errors in grammar, grammatical errors, spelling, academic voice, and formatting. | 15 pts | |
| Total Points: 80 |