Assignments

Assignment 1

Write a two- to three-page, well-organized essay in response to the following prompt.

The chapter we read from "The American Ways" presented six traditional American values: individual freedom, self-reliance, equality of opportunity, competition, material wealth, and hard work.

Choose two or three values and describe how you have observed them in American life. Be sure to provide specific examples that reflect your observations and experiences. You may also wish to contrast those values with your own culture and how things are done differently.

Assignment 2

Write a two- to three-page, well-organized essay in response to one of the following two prompts.

1. James Dillard, the physician in "A Doctor's Dilemma," helps an accident victim despite serious reservations. Applying both the definition of emergency situations and the social factors of bystander intervention, explain why Dr. Dillard intervened.
2. The story "Wilshire Bus" illustrates that bystander "apathy" is present even in our everyday interactions. Using the arguments from "Bystander 'Apathy,'" explain why none of the bus passengers came to the aid of the Chinese woman.

Sample Essays

1. Sample Essay (PDF)
2. Sample Editorials Memo (PDF)

Homework

See the readings section for downloadable handouts used in the course.

EC = Azar, Betty Schrampfer. Understanding and Using English Grammar:Chartbook-A Reference Grammar. 3rd ed. Pearson ESL, 1998. ISBN: 013958661X.