Unit Three: Self in the Age of Information

Situation: Kenneth Gergen has written an essay that reflects on very big issues; he has written this essay for academics and a generally well-educated public.  Many academics and professionals (scientists, engineers, social scientists, architects, humanists) are drawn to writing these kinds of essays because they allow the author to reflect on questions that many of us find interesting, even if extremely difficult to answer: what does it mean to be human?  What makes for a good life?  How can human kind act collaboratively and ethically together?  Even if you never publish an essay like this one, you might find yourself reflecting on these issues in an email to a friend, a letter, or simply in conversation.  This assignment asks you to write such an essay, as either a rebuttal to or an extension of Gergen’s argument. 

Audience and Purpose: You don’t necessarily need to imagine an outside audience for this essay—you can write it as part of coming to your own understanding on this issue.  Writing is one of the best methods educators know of for helping students understand complex issues.  You can also write it primarily in order to show me that you understand Gergen’s essay and you have done good research in the process of constructing your essay.  Many of your instructors will ask you to write essays (full-blown like this one, or exam essays) in order to see whether or not you understand the material.  Writing for a specific audience, however, often helps you focus a paper: you realize what you need to focus on, what points to emphasize, and which ones to leave out.  Consider addressing an external audience (perhaps Kenneth Gergen himself) as a way of sharpening your essay.

The Product: Kenneth Gergen’s provocative essay on “Self in the Age of Information” may ring true for you, or it may seem like a lot of hand-wringing about something which is no big deal.  This essay assignment will give you an opportunity to offer a “rebuttal” to Gergen’s essay.  A rebuttal is typically thought of as “arguing against” someone else, but it can also mean agreeing in part, but disagreeing on other parts.  Praising and offering criticism in the same essay is often a very good argumentative strategy.

If you are in complete agreement with Gergen’s views, rather than offer a rebuttal you should offer an extension or application of his essay.  Explain what he is saying, identify key ideas, and then apply them to situations you see in our culture and your life (including in the media). 

Rebuttal essays are not just “she says, he says.”  You can look for logical fallacies or unsupported claims in the essay you are responding to, and your argument should advance ideas that are supported or corroborated by others. 

Graded Products

Rebuttal or application essay: Length 4-7 pages, 200 points. 

Blogs optional (no grade): I’m interested in seeing whether you keep blogging.

Participation: 20 points—short reports, peer reviews. 

Consult the grading criteria included on the course syllabus for a description of expectations on each assignment.