Essay 1, ENG101L, Fall 2006, E. Johnson

You will demonstrate your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills by answering one of the following questions.

1. Summarize the conflicts between the Bible and the heliocentric view of the solar system promoted by Galileo. What is the difference between the way they are treated by the authors we have read on the topic, Tyson, Moy, and Collins? (You may also read pp. 31-35 in Spong and include his views.) What do these authors have to say about the following: How important were these conflicts to the fate of Galileo? How important are they today in the way we view science and the Bible? Is “the Galileo affair” analogous to today’s debate between evolutionists and creationists?

2. Summarize the conflicts between the scientific view of the history of the universe and the religious view, especially concerning how, why, and when the universe began. Include definitions of the Big Bang Theory and the Anthropic Principle in your essay. Consider all the authors we have read on the topic, Spong, Collins, and Smith. (You may skip ahead and read Edis in S&R 13 if you wish). According to these authors, how important are the conflicts between the scientific and religious worldviews? Do they lead us to an insurmountable difficulty in reconciling religion and science, or can they co-exist?

Expectations for the essay are outlined below.

Grading Criteria:

1. The introductory paragraph or paragraphs 1) plot a logically conceived path to the thesis and (2) provide a rhetorically effective introduction for the intended audience.

2. The thesis is analytical rather than topical in nature, has clearly defined main and restricting ideas, and directly addresses the writing prompt.

3. Each paragraph has a clear analytical or rhetorical (descriptive, explanatory, comparative, etc.) purpose and builds upon prior paragraphs.

4. The paper has both inter-paragraph and intra-paragraph idea transitions where needed or appropriate.

5. Each paragraph clearly develops its topic idea / rhetorical purpose through analysis, exemplification, or concise description.

6. Quantity of support is adequate to demonstrate the truth value of the thesis.

7. The essay is meaningful and non-redundant.

8. The writer’s syntax aids idea coordination and subordination; the writer’s style aids the paper’s logical and rhetorical appeal.

9. The paper uses at least two sources from the reader in a substantial manner. The paper also introduces, cites, and documents sources according to MLA protocols.

10. The paper is written in Standard English and has been carefully proofread.

Format for RHW 101 Essays

E. Johnson, Fall 2006

On left side or centered, type only a title (optional) and your name.

Staple top left.

Unless otherwise stated on the writing assignment, essays should be 4 pages in length.

Essays must be typed, double-spaced, in a 12-point Anormal@ font, such as Times Roman or Arial. Margins should be 1 inch on each side, top and bottom.

Along with the final copy of the essay, you will turn in:

invention notes (from more than one date)

related homework (paragraphs, trial thesis statements, etc.)

at least one full draft

peer review sheets

Please put these in a pocket folder or a file folder with your name on it.

Late policy:

If you turn the essay in late, it will drop one letter grade, losing one additional letter grade every week that it is late. Avoid printer and diskette mishaps by completing the assignment the day before.

Be sure to use the spell checker on your word processor and proofread the final draft carefully.

Remember, the Writing Center tutors are available to help you at all stages of the writing process, including editing. The Writing Center is in room 233, Evans Hall, phone 238-5903