Worth: 100 points
Length: 4-5 double-spaced pages, MLA formatting
In “Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education,” William Cronon Download “Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education,” William Crononexplores the meaning of the liberal arts, pointing out that the term’s origins link it to ideas of freedom and growth. At the center of the essay is a list: a list of the ten qualities Cronon thinks are most embodied by liberally educated people—although he notes that these are not qualities anyone can definitively embody; their cultivation is a lifelong process.
Here at the beginning of your journey as an academic writer, I’d like to invite you to use Cronon’s essay as a jumping-off point for thinking about your own intellectual values, where they come from, and how you hope your education at LA Trade-Tech will help you to further cultivate them.
Specifically, I’d like you to write a short “Intellectual Autobiography” (4-5 double-spaced pages), exploring the influences and life experiences that have molded you into the person you are today.
Some questions to consider are:
Which of the ten characteristics described in Cronon’s essay Download Cronon’s essay apply to you?
What are your enduring interests and passions?
How have your family, community, and education shaped your life? Pay special attention to how your life experiences have informed your intellectual values.
Has your upbringing led you to especially value curiosity? Logic? Empathy? Beauty? Finally, consider Cronon’s list of ten qualities–Which of these qualities do you think your life has cultivated in you most strongly? In which of these qualities are you weakest? (Nobody’s perfect!) Be sure to address Cronon’s characteristics in your essay.
Do you think Cronon left anything important off of his list—would your list be any different? Would you add or take away any characteristic?
While grading your essays, I will be primarily interested in the thoughtfulness of your writing—how seriously you take the assignment and how authentically you reflect on your life. So take this as an opportunity to “write to learn” without the pressure of being evaluated on grammar, syntax, and so on.
Since many of our readings will touch on the theme of “education,” you are welcome to discuss important points from those other readings as well—just remember that you must address Cronon’s essay primarily. I look forward to reading your paper and getting to know you a bit more.
–Prof Cruz
How to succeed on Essay #1:
Introduce Cronon’s essay Download Cronon’s essayin your first paragraph
Make sure your comprehension of Cronon’s essay Download Cronon’s essayis evident; I will evaluate your summary of his essay in order to assess your comprehension of the essay
Relate your ideas and/or personal experiences to Cronon’s essay Download Cronon’s essay—in other words, don’t forget to write about the essay! You should aim to discuss at least 3 of the characteristics, and make connections to Cronon’s essa Download Cronon’s essay in most of your paragraphs.
Cite from the text in MLA format, and make sure that your quotations are thoroughly explained—you should use your Quote Sandwich handout!Download Quote Sandwich handout!
Have focused paragraphs that are well-supported by sufficient details and/or evidence from the text
Your adherence to MLA formatting
Your essay should have a title and Work Cited Page
