Critical Evaluation of Perspectives in Liberal Arts

Purpose

This assignment’s purpose is to evaluate students’ critical thinking skills in the context of Liberal Arts through a human-centric approach. Students will demonstrate their ability to critically analyze and evaluate arguments, evidence, and different perspectives without the aid of AI tools.

Instructions

1. Topic Selection:
   • Choose a topic relevant to your course material. Possible topics include: the impact of social media on society, the role of literature in social change, or the ethical implications of historical events.
2. Research and Analysis:
   • Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic using only physical library resources and in-person interviews. Use at least five credible sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable magazines.
   • Analyze the different perspectives and arguments related to the topic. Identify the main points, evidence, and biases present in each source.
3. Critical Evaluation:
   • Write a critical evaluation essay (1500-2000 words) where you:
     • Summarize the key arguments and evidence from your sources.
     • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.
     • Discuss any biases or assumptions that may affect the validity of the arguments.
     • Present your own well-reasoned conclusions, supported by the evidence you have gathered.
4. Group Discussion:
   • Participate in a group discussion where each student will present their findings and engage in a debate with peers. Prepare a 5-minute presentation summarizing your essay’s main points.
   • Provide constructive feedback on your peers’ presentations and engage in a critical discussion to further explore the topic.
5. Submission:
   • Submit your essay as a printed document during class.
   • Ensure your essay follows the proper formatting guidelines: double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and MLA citation style.

Grading Criteria

• Research Quality (20%):
  • Depth and relevance of research.
  • Use of credible and diverse sources.
• Critical Analysis (30%):
  • Thorough analysis of arguments and evidence.
  • Identification and discussion of biases and assumptions.
• Evaluation (30%):
  • Strength of the evaluation and reasoning.
  • Clarity and coherence of conclusions.
• Presentation and Participation (20%):
  • Quality of the presentation and engagement in the group discussion.
  • Constructive feedback provided to peers.

Skills Focus

This assignment focuses on developing and evaluating critical thinking skills, particularly in analyzing and evaluating arguments within the Liberal Arts context. It emphasizes human-centric research and interaction.