Step One: Diagnostic

I am entering my inaugural semester of the qualitative research. It begins with a diagnostic essay, diagnosing how and in what ways students feel empowered.

As we begin the semester, it is important for me to gauge where we are as writers and to identify our individual needs. That is the purpose of a "diagnostic essay." It won't be graded -- you will simply receive credit for fulfilling the assignment.

The Writing Prompt:
As students, we often think about education in terms of our future careers, especially in today's economy. However, education is also thought of as being integral to creating engaged and knowledgeable citizens who will shape our culture and foster democracy. Composition, a skills based class, allows me to engage students civically and culturally, while giving them the skills necessary to succeed in the classes of their discipline and become marketable in today's economy. My question to you is this: How can you as an individual shape our culture and affect our political landscape?

Writing the Essay:

When beginning this essay, you could explain how you live a conscientious life, how constraints of money and time affect your ability to be a positive force in the universe, or your general opinions about American culture and politics.

Your thesis could be about what you do to create a better world, what you would like to do and the obstacles you face, or what you would like to see changed.

The body of your paragraph should explain your abilities and constraints in regards to influencing cultural and the political landscape.

The conclusion should state or reiterate future goals or plans.

All and all this should be at least two pages.

Again, don't stress. This won't be graded.