WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning Technology and Social Change Kraynak Fall 2022 Writing Project 1: “Scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.” Purpose: This first assignment asks you to engage not only with the theme of our course but also with the practice of writing itself. Prewriting, drafting, and revising are essential to the writing process and are vital practices to develop as you grow both as a writer and as a scholar. Additionally, I will be looking for a strong, cohesive argument supported by specific examples, analysis, and reasoning. Background: Generally, the notions of invention and innovation are viewed favorably because of the ways in which technology has enhanced and improved our lives based largely on necessity. However, as the definition of “need” has drastically changed, we’ve gone from essential innovations like vaccines, running water, and electricity to things like beer helmets, Snuggies, and—yes—spider grippers! This assignment is asking you to think about why such a change has taken place regarding the relationship between technology and necessity to understand what this shift suggests about our changing values and behaviors. To make your argument, you’ll need to narrow down to a single representative invention that you can analyze. This analysis will help you make a larger claim about the time in which this object was created, the audience for whom this object is, the problems this object was intended to solve, the values that are embedded in this object, and, ultimately, what the object’s supposed benefits or appeal reveals about our society, our culture, and ourselves. WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning Technology and Social Change Kraynak Fall 2022 Writing task: Before we can delve into discussions about technology and social change, we must take a closer look into how technology shapes our daily lives. Understanding your relationship to technology, and practicing the analysis of a specific topic are key jumping off points for the work you’ll do the rest of this semester. Respond to the following prompt in a 5+ page thesis-driven essay: Given that technology is intended to improve our quality of life in some way, choose an object or invention that achieves the opposite. How did the intended benefits of this object fall short, and what does this object ultimately reveal about our changing values? Due date: Upload to Blackboard with reflection answers by the start of class time, Monday September 12th. Suggestions: Refer to page 3 of your syllabus for specific formatting requirements; fulfill the page minimum. Keep in mind that I am asking you to create a specific argument, so make sure to narrow down your chosen technology and the behavior/values you’ll be discussing. If you get stuck while brainstorming, consider working backwards: what is a human value or behavior you’d like to discuss? What technology would allow you to have that discussion? As we discussed in class, technology is a big, broad concept that enables you to truly personalize your argument. Go beyond initial intuitive responses like ‘social media is bad for us’ and shift your perspective to something that you really care a lot about. Remember our main focus for WP1 is to practice conceptual arrangement, so make sure your first body paragraph is not about your specific object/invention. What does your reader need to know first before they can understand your argument about who we are and how our values have shifted?? Avoid simply filling out your essay with a list of all the various ways your chosen technology is good or bad; focus your attention on expanding one main argument. Be sure to carefully describe your examples and follow up with supporting evidence and analysis that supports your overall claim (thesis). Your thesis should be specific and disputable. Take a focused approach, addressing one issue in an original and insightful way, rather than simply making a list of issues or stating the obvious. If you are stuck, take your point and make it more complicated by asking more challenging questions. Outside sources are not required for this assignment, but please follow MLA guidelines to reference sources appropriately within your paper and to create a works cited page (see your WRIT 150 course book). Reflection questions: One of the most important parts of the writing process is self-reflection; rather than simply being “done” with an essay, taking the time to look back at the work you’ve done gives you a chance to think critically and carefully about what you’ve learned along the way. Include your responses to these questions at the end of your essay: 1. How is the new prewriting process going so far? Was it easier or harder to start your paper? WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning Technology and Social Change Kraynak Fall 2022 2. What was the most difficult aspect of writing this essay? What did you do to overcome this difficulty? 3. What do you think is the strongest part of your essay? Be specific citing a page number. 4. What area of your paper do you think a reader might have the most trouble with? Why?
