POLS 172 Extra credit
REACTION PAPERS-Up to 6 points extra credit each
Goals: encourage critical thinking about the lecture; improve clarity and quality of writing
Length: 1-2 pages (longer only if you like); I prefer double-spaced typed
Subject: Paul Simon or Michael Moore lectures
Paul Simon: Water and World Security
Michael Moore
Monday March 27, 2000
Monday, April 3, 2000
Kobacher hall, 7:30 pm
101 Olscamp hall, 7:30 pm
Paper Format:
A. Identify the speaker
B. Summarize the important points in the lecture
C. React to the reading: Use one or more of the following--
- Explain the (sometimes unspoken) assumptions on which the speaker bases his
argument.
- Identify contradictions in the argument.
- Identify parts of the argument that you agree with, and explain why you agree with
them--do you share author's values or underlying assumptions? Have you had
personal experiences which convince you that the argument makes sense?
- Identify parts of the lecture with which you disagree. Explain why you
disagree--do you disagree with its assumptions, its policy implications, or
something else? Why?
- Does the argument relate to concepts we have discussed in class? How?
- Does the reading have implications for current events? Explain them.
Grading:
1 point for attendance
1 point for handing in a paper
4 points based on the quality of your summary and analysis
Points are added to your total points for the course, so this is an opportunity to add 2% onto your
final course grade for each paper.