Assignment: Prepare a 2-4 page type-written academic essay (with an introduction, body and conclusion) which compares and contrast science and technology, and explains the role you think they play in society.

You are encouraged to use resources in addition to encyclopedias, dictionaries and the required text. I presume that you have been exposed to the ideas in your courses for your major.  I encourage you to refer to and expand on the question at issue using your unique disciplinary perspective.  Other authors you may find interesting, easy to read, and useful for this assignment include Carl Sagan, Lynn Margulis and Dorian Sagan, Lewis Thomas, Stephen J. Gould, Ernst Mayr, John Moore, Michael Zimmerman and E.O. Wilson.  Hopefully you have had a chance to read some of them, and or will introduce me to others (Frankenstein, etc)

Grade

Knowledge (Readings)

Application (Written)

Presentation of Ideas

Creativity & Originality

A

Cites 4 or more key concepts and supporting details from relevant readings. Provides definitions and explanations of science and technology, and the interplay between the two. Expands on the definition of issue, discusses and explains non-scientific aspects that make these issues and how you feel our society should respond to the issues. Clearly describes what role each aspect (political, economic, and the ethical etc) should play as we as a society decide how to address these issues.

Demonstrates insights and understanding by using the readings to describe the main points of the essay.

Identifies personal responsibilities with regard to application(s)

Communicates all ideas clearly

Shows attention to the details of performance conventions (spelling, grammar, etc.)

Demonstrates a perspective on the readings with considerable creativity and originality

B

Cites 2-3 concepts and supporting details from reading assignments, encyclopedias, dictionaries and required text. Provides definitions and explanations of science and technology, BUT FAILS TO ADDRESS THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN the two. Expands on the definition of issue, AND MENTIONS non-scientific aspects that make these issues. Provides some discussion of how you feel our society should respond to the issues.

No citations from other relevant readings

Demonstrates insights and understanding of the readings

Communicates most ideas clearly

Presents minor mistakes in performance conventions

Demonstrates a perspective on the readings with some creativity and originality

C

Cites 1-2 key concepts and supporting details. Provides definitions and explanations of science and technology, but fails to address the interplay between the two. Provides some mention of issues, and only briefly mentions non-scientific aspects that make these issues.Briefly discusses, if at all, how you feel our society should respond to the issues.

No citations from relevant readings.

Demonstrates little insights and understanding.

Communicates some ideas clearly

Presents minor mistakes in performance conventions

Demonstrates a perspective on the readings with little creativity and originality

D

Cites 1 key concept and/or supporting details from reading assignments

No citations from other relevant readings

Demonstrates no insights and understanding of the readings

Does not communicate ideas clearly

Pays insufficient attention to performance conventions

Demonstrates a perspective on the readings with no creativity and originality

F

No citations from class readings and other relevant readings

No attempts in demonstrating insights and understanding of the readings

No attention to performance conventions

No attempts in demonstrating a perspective on the readings