Concept Analysis Essay: #4

The Assignment:

Consider how language is important to perception and culture. Consider the notion that: the way we name things is affected by what we know or what we believe.

Explain a concept or idea you know well to someone who doesn’t (although assume your audience is intelligent).

Length: 1 ½ -3 pages.

Due Dates:

Rough Draft: Tuesday, Oct. 11^th

Final Draft: Thursday, Oct. 13^th

Your essay must go beyond simple definition. It should not be a process or procedure, but a concept. Analyzing a concept requires more than acceptance at face value. Rather, you must break it apart and explore its hidden complexities. This means you must question and examine your chosen concept at a new level.

Formatting guidelines:

• Double Spaced, 1” margins
• On the first page include: your name, instructor’s name, course and assignment, and date in upper left corner (no title sheets please).
• On each remaining page include page numbers
• Times New Roman (or similar font) in 12-point size
• MLA style

I’ve included a list of examples and questions to help get you get started. However, do not limit yourself to these ideas! They are only a starting point. Have fun and good luck!

Examples of Concepts:

• responsibility
• college
• religion
• co-worker
• employment
• romance
• punk
• teacher
• faith
• pain
• intelligence
• courage
• freedom
• junk
• necessity
• marriage
• funk
• soul
• service
• education
• hope
• defeat
• cruelty
• writing
• wisdom
• spunk
• night

Some questions to help you get inside your concept:

What does it mean?

• How does it influence of change people’s lives?
• How does it influence people’s thoughts?
• What is its primary purpose or function?
• What emotions or thoughts are associated with it?
• What behaviors are associated with it?
• What consequences or effects does it have?
• What is necessary to attain it or have it?

How does it matter to others?

• Is the concept generally agreed upon?
• Does the concept raise controversy? Explain why.
• Why is it important that people have an appropriate understanding of this concept?
• Are there complexities to the concept that people might overlook?
• Does the concept need to be rethought? Why?
• In what ways does it contribute to everyday life?
• Is this a popular or high profile concept in society?
• What is the possible connection between the topic and public concerns?

Considerations:

• What uncommon details reveal my point about the concept?
• Can I avoid telling the reader that something is “interesting,” “exciting,” ect., and instead create images or use examples that show it?
• Can I use metaphors to make the reader see the intensity or scope or depth of the concept?
• Can I show the reader a new way to see an everyday phenomenon?