In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the integrity by analyzing the actions of characters in
The Simpsons episode titled: “Lisa gets an A.”
The estimated time expected to complete this module is 45-60 minutes. Of course, this varies with each person. You
should not expect, however, to be able to rush through this activity without giving it significant thought.
Feel free to use your answers from Module 3 – Activity 2 (M3-A2) as an additional resource for this activity. In M3-A2,
you reflected on the decision-making of Lisa and Principal Skinner. For this activity, you will take that analysis a step
further and think about ethical decision-making in relation to acting with integrity.
This activity has 2 parts.
Part 1: Character Analysis
In your analysis, keep in mind the definitions of integrity, values, and ethical standards from the modules’ concept
notes.
For this essay, you will answer the following questions:
1. What does Lisa’s first decision & action (to cheat) tell you about her values & ethical standards and what
guided her decision-making?
2. What does Lisa’s second decision & action (to tell the truth) tell you about her values & ethical standards
and what guided her decision-making? Why did Lisa make her second decision and react to the first
decision in this way? What role did the situation or context play in Lisa’s decisions (both decisions)?
3. Several other characters make decisions and act throughout the episode. Discuss the values & ethical
standards and decision-making of Nelson, Bart, Principal Skinner, and the community as a whole.
4. In the episode, who (if anyone) acted with integrity? Why & how?
5. In the episode, who (if anyone) did not act with integrity? Why & how? What kept the characters from acting
with integrity?
6. What were the outcomes/consequences of the decisions made by Lisa, Nelson, Bart, and Principal Skinner
(and who were the stakeholders)? What is the relationship between acting with or without integrity and
consequences for ones’ self and others?
Part 2: Reflection Essay
In this essay, you will reflect on your answers to the above questions. Think through how you understand Lisa’s
actions as having integrity or not. It is likely that the violation of the Code of Student Conduct for which you were
sanctioned was not the same as Lisa’s actions in this episode. Nonetheless, reflect on what similarities and/or
differences exist between how Lisa acted and how you acted. Cite specific examples of what is similar between your
actions and where your actions diverge? Finally, discuss how this episode relates to your life in general and what
lessons you can learn from the characters’ decisions and actions?
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