I use the following scheme to mark all essay assignments in my Philosophy and Religious Studies classes. It describes the basic components that you should include in your essay to ensure that it is a good essay:
| Your position on the issue: | /2 (POS) |
| Argument(s) for your position: | /3 (ARG) |
| Objection(s) to your argument(s): | /3 (OBJ) |
| Response(s) to the objection(s): | /2 (RES) |
| Writing, grammar and style: | /2 (WRIT) |
| Participation in class discussion | /3 (ORAL, if assigned) |
| Total: | /15 or 12 (but worth whatever percentage listed in the course outline) |
I have found that defending a position crafted in consideration of what a thoughtful opponent might say helps one to write a good essay, even if one has not yet mastered the detailed rules of critical thinking and logic. Such objections can be drawn from research into the contending positions on an issue (such as you might uncover in a research paper assignment), your imagination, or conversations with others.
I have also found that this approach helps clarify the merits of carefully directing your research. Start your essay by working out a preliminary position. Your research, then, should focus on finding support for this position (good ethical or political principles, facts, support from relevant authorities, etc). When you have an argument or two worked out, then these arguments can serve as the guides for subsequent research into possible thoughtful objections (like the ones you might raise in a critique assignment) to your specific arguments. If you can respond to these objections then you are done. If you can't, then either modify your conclusion or the reasons you have for drawing your conclusion ("premises") until you have an argument that can stand-up to thoughtful opposition. Your final essay should only include your best argument(s) for your position, the most thoughtful objection(s) you can find to your argument(s) and your response(s) to the challenges posed by the objection(s).
When it comes to the ORAL component, I don't expect you to come to class with graph, laser pointers, or any paraphernalia whatsoever. What I do expect is that you will come to class prepared to discuss the topic assigned for that day's discussion (which is also the topic of your essay) and be willing to share some of your views when asked. You should at least be able to describe your position, your arguments for it or one of the objections that you have considered. Sharing any of these is a good way to participate. However, simply engaging with others by responding to their points, or raising a good question or two about what they have said, are equally good ways to achieve a good mark in this component.
Copyright © James Gerrie 25 September 2007