Please answer Question Response for Lesson 3:
The main theme of RE374OC is power and Foucault is the key to understanding
the link between power and sexuality. To this end, I would like you to first briefly summarize in your own
words how Foucault changed the way we think about sexuality (in about a paragraph). Second, what are
the implications of this for society, for religion or for you? You may want to look at your own life, but
might instead/also consider the ways that society and/or religion has been fundamentally challenged or
changed by Foucault.
A note on summarizing: summarizing should not be restating the same idea in different words, nor
should it involve internet research. In the past I have been disappointed by students that simply Google
Foucault and repeat what they find online. (See the notes below on internet research, sharing and
academic misconduct if you are tempted to do this). A good academic summary does not
repeat/paraphrase ideas, it shows me that you comprehend complicated concepts by synthesizing the
information found in the course and presenting it in your own words.
Research and Citations
You are not to do additional outside research for this assignment. You are to complete it after having
read all required class readings and lessons. The assignment should represent your own response to
course material so should not include quotations or paraphrases. If you feel you need to refer to lessons
or readings, please use parenthetical citations using the Chicago Author-Date system (Author Year,
page).
Pro Tips:
2. Manage your time: This is not an assignment that can be done well at the last minute. Plan on
reading through the lesson and assigned texts you are writing about at least a day ahead and let
them percolate in your brain before you put “ink” to “paper.”
3. Be Progress-Minded: I am keen to see and track progress in your thinking and writing. Strive to
articulate this progress in your papers, and be deliberate about responding to, and learning from,
any feedback I give you.
4. Avoid conventional wisdom: There is a tendency when writing about some of this material to do so
from a subjective, opinion-based perspective and/or offer a rudimentary or surface level analysis
that could be given by someone that has not taken this course. An assignment that reproduces
conventional wisdom / common knowledge tells me you have not critically read the assigned
material and/or have not engaged deeply with course concepts and will be marked accordingly.
5. Stick to course concepts: There is a fine line between applying course concepts to your own life and
writing an opinion-based / subjective account of what you feel about course concepts. Some of the
prompts ask you to do the former, but not the latter. Even when writing about the personal, the
goal is demonstrate knowledge of course concepts.
Evaluation and Rubric
Papers should not only demonstrate comprehension of course concepts and critical thinking, but also be
well-written and follow all writing tips posted to MyLS (under Assignments). You will receive a grade
that corresponds to the following criteria:
1. Does this represent your sincere, personal and original response to the prompt or does it seem
like this could have been written based on a Google search or by anyone that has not taken this
class?
2. Does it demonstrate that you have engaged with course content by being relevant, applying
course-based ideas, following all instructions and remaining on task? (Hint: your instructor will
take into account the amount of time you spend on weekly lesson material to help determine
your level of engagement.)
3. Have you addressed all questions, and responded fully to any instructor feedback?
Unauthorized distribution/sharing of RE374OC course material is considered academic misconduct (4.02.09) and
may result in penalty as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct: Academic Misconduct policy. 4. Is your writing clear and polished? (Hint: You may use an informal writing voice and write in first
person, but responses must be grammatically correct and well organized. I will be looking to see
if you have read and followed all Writing Tips posted to MyLS
