This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Assignments

Short Essay Assignments

Short essay assignment #1 (PDF)

Short essay assignment #2 (PDF)

Short essay assignment #3 (PDF)

Short essay assignment #4 (PDF)

Papers - 3 Essays, 5-7 Pages Each

Each student will be responsible for submitting three papers during the semester. A choice of topics will be given 1-2 weeks in advance of the due date for each essay. These papers should demonstrate understanding of key concepts in the course by framing an argument in response to the essay question and supporting that argument with examples and quotation from relevant articles we have read.

Essay assignment #1 (PDF)

Essay assignment #2 (PDF)

Essay assignment #3 (PDF)

Current event analysis

Each student must present an analysis of a current event relating to class readings once during the term. Students will work in pairs to research and present an interpretation of a current event article of their choice pertaining to the week's topic. Your task is to make connections between concepts presented in an assigned reading (or readings) and a "real-life" example found in the news. This assignment requires close reading of the news item you choose, presenting your analysis in a coherent way to the rest of the class, along with several follow-up discussion questions. Sign-up for these presentations will begin in the first week of class.