PLEASE FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
A. Use only your course notes and required reading assignments; no internet, dictionaries, etc.
B. In answering a question, first copy the full question and then type your answer: double-spaced, 12-point font, 1″ margins. You may use a maximum of six pages for the entire test, approximately three pages for each question (you may go over to a seventh page if necessary).
C. The completed Essay Test #3 must be submitted on Brightspace by the 2:30 p.m. deadline, Thursday, April 25, 2024. Click on “Activities,” and then on “Assignments.”
D. ASSESSMENT/GRADING OF ANSWER: [For complete text, refer to Introduction to Bioethics, Detailed Grading Key for Essay Tests, located at “Assignments” on Brightspace.]
* Insightful thesis that demonstrates thorough understanding of text(s)
* Persuasive and reasoned argumentation
* Careful, detailed in-depth reading of key textual passages to support argument
* Concise, unmarred by grammatical problems, spelling mistakes, typos, or not thoroughly following directions
ANSWER EACH OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
1. JorgeJoseFerrerwritesaboutthe“FundamentalandNonnegotiableDignityof Every Person,” “Social Justice, the Common Good, and Solidarity,” and the “Preferential Option for the Poor and the Vulnerable,” on pages 368-371 in Chapter 21, Catholic Bioethics & Social Justice. Demonstrate both the meaning and importance of each of these regarding the health care needs of Gender Non-Conforming Children and Adolescents as outlined on pages 115-117, “Encountering Discrimination in the Clinical Setting,” in Chapter 6, Catholic
Bioethics & Social Justice. [50 points, you may use a maximum of three double-spaced typed pages for question 1.]
2. a) In “The Case Against Perfection,” Michael Sandel analyzes some common arguments against genetic engineering and also advances his own thesis. Why, specifically, does he think that concerns about future autonomy are not the most compelling arguments? What, specifically, is his alternative criticism? Do you agree or disagree with his complaint about genetic engineering?
b) In his article “Ethical Issues in Clinical Trials in Developing Countries,” Baruch Brody makes some controversial claims about conducting this type of research. What are they, and why might they be controversial? Do you agree with him? [50 points total for 2a and 2b, you may use a maximum of three double-spaced typed pages for question
Detailed Grading Key for Essays
95+ Demonstrates a superior degree of creativity and in depth insight into the topic; shows a clear understanding of the topic that goes beyond the text, lectures, and class discussions. Establishes a methodological argument with a clearly stated thesis based on the topic. Overall, the essay is well organized and clearly written with accurate use of key ideas and sources. Contains superior analysis and interpretation with an excellent critical evaluation and theological implications. Provides the theological basis or justification for judgments made concerning the topic.
90-93 Demonstrates an excellent degree of creativity with in depth insight into the topic. Clear understanding of the topic that goes beyond the text, lectures, and class discussions. Establishes a methodological argument with a clearly stated thesis based on the topic. Overall the essay is well organized and clearly written with accurate use of sources. Contains excellent analysis and interpretation with a critical evaluation and theological implications.
87-89 Demonstrate an average degree of creativity and excellent understanding of the topic. Makes excellent use of the text, lectures, and class discussions. Establishes a methodological argument with a clearly stated thesis based on the topic. Overall the essay is well organized and clearly written with accurate use of sources. Contains excellent analysis and interpretation with a critical evaluation.
85 Demonstrates an average degree of creativity and understanding of the topic. Makes good use of the text, lectures, and class discussions. Establishes a methodological argument with a clearly stated thesis based on the topic. Overall the essay is well organized and clearly written with accurate use of sources. Contains excellent analysis and interpretation of key ideas with critical evaluation.
80-83 Demonstrates an average creativity and understanding of the topic. Makes good use of the text, lectures, and class discussions. Establishes a methodological argument with a clearly stated thesis based on the topic. Overall the essay is well organized and clearly written with accurate use of sources. Contains good analysis and interpretation.
IV. Grading
Your test essays will be graded primarily on content (including the strength and persuasiveness of your argument and in-depth reading as well as your familiarity with and knowledge of the text, organization (logical progression, etc.), and style (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.). When you receive your graded test back, please read it over carefully. Take time to review the comments. If you don’t understand the comments, please ask for clarification immediately by meeting with us in our offices.
In an effort to demystify the grading process, we have listed below the characteristics associated with each test grade.
A
*an outstanding and extraordinary accomplishment of all of the aspects detailed in the characteristics that represent a B
B
* insightful thesis that demonstrates thorough theological understanding of text
* persuasive and reasoned argumentation
* careful, detailed in-depth reading of key textual passages to support argument
* concise, unmarred by grammatical problems, spelling mistakes, or typos
C
* convincing thesis that demonstrates basic theological understanding of text
* coherent presentation of argument
* discussion of relevant textual passages to support argument
* some difficulties with technical aspects, but readable nevertheless
D
* absence of clear argument and/or lack of comprehension of text
* difficulty in developing, supporting, or illustrating stated thesis in body of paper
* summary rather than interpretation of text
* insufficient analysis of text(s) and/or failure to perform in-depth readings of text
* difficulties with fundamentals: basic punctuation, spelling, sentence structure
