Montclair State University First Year Writing Assignment Text

Jonathan Friesen - Writing Coach

ldquo lsquo what rsquo s the most transformative educational experience you rsquo ve had? rsquo rdquo frank bruni poses this opening question in his new york times ldquo op ed rdquo piece, ldquo college rsquo s priceless value: higher education, liberal arts and shakespeare. Rdquo bruni goes on to recount a pivotal moment in his own educational career that continues to shape him and how he experiences the world. Perhaps most interesting about bruni rsquo s reflection here is that the transformational moment he describes was unexpected, not necessarily related to his ultimate career. Instead, he found himself learning the most lasting lesson where he would not have looked for it in a few lines from shakespeare, delivered by a great teacher. Bruni rsquo s piece opens questions for all of us about the value and purpose of education, and challenges us to think about those lessons we have learned perhaps most deeply and unexpectedly.

Consider the following lines from james baldwin rsquo s ldquo a talk to teachers rdquo 1963: the paradox of education is precisely this mdash that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated. The purpose of education, finally, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions, to say to himself this is black or this is white, to decide for himself whether there is a god in heaven or not. To ask questions of the universe, and then learn to live with those questions, is the way he achieves his own identity.

for this assignment, taking into consideration both bruni rsquo s piece and baldwin rsquo s words above, construct a response to the opening question, ldquo what is the most transformative educational experience you rsquo ve had? rdquo you are encouraged to think broadly about what it means to be ldquo educated rdquo and to explore where the deepest learning has happened for you. You may think beyond the walls of school or you may recount a school based experience as bruni does. Either way, consider the ways in which both baldwin and bruni rsquo s words relate to, contradict, or help you to better understand your own experiences.

requirements essays should:

    be 2 3 pages in length, typed and double spaced. Build an argument that demonstrates the relationship between your personal experience and the two authors cited in the assignment bruni and baldwin.
submission process
    ferpa laws prevent us from talking to parents. Incoming first year students with questions about this assignment or the placement process need to write to us directly at [email protected].

    How Does Shakespeare Portray Love In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    We expect this to be original work and discourage students from seeking extensive outside help. The goals of the placement assessment are to match students with the writing course that will best serve their needs and support their success in college. Once you have enrolled at montclair state university, you can upload your essay to our canvas site here.

1 normal ave montclair, new jersey 07043 the menu below provides you with practical information on things you need to know about as a montclair state university graduate student.

While the graduate school staff is always available to help you, we encourage you to consult this website throughout your time at montclair. A critical partner in your graduate school experience, your graduate program coordinator can help you with course selection, overall curriculum planning, research opportunities, and career goals. For a list of graduate program coordinators, click here or visit the wess system rsquo s student services page. Click here for links to montclair state rsquo s schools and colleges, academic and non academic services and programs, admission contacts, and more. The family education rights and privacy act of 1974 buckley amendment permits the university to release directory information about a student unless the student specifically requests that this information be withheld.