The first writing assignment will be writing an opinion piece about a moral issue. You will find some insight about th eissue that psychology can offer us and then make a comment or take a position (even if it is a complex one) that is informed by your psychological observation.. For help in becoming an expert on your area see our library guide. Your editorial should be about 1,000 words in length and may contain one picture, figure, or table.
A proposed title and outline is due in class on Feb 20. This does not need to be a formal outline, but should be enough so that class mates can ask you questions that will help you shape your argument. So, there needs to be some argument in it, or lists of points, or series of analogies, or reasons for your conclusion, etc. You can change course later, but I want you to get started soon. I will give you written feedback based on this document.
A working draft of your editorial is due in class on March 3. This means that 90% of the text should be there, with indications of what will be in the rest. It should be double-spaced, with 1.5 inch margins. Make sure your name is on it. I will assign your essay to someone else in the class, and they will return it with comments by March 7. Save both your 1st draft and the comments. You will need to turn them in with the final draft. You will not receive a grade on your draft, but you will receive a grade for your review of someone else's draft.
The final draft of the opinion piece is due in class on Friday, March 14. Soon, I will have available a grading rubric so you will know just what I am looking for.