Essay One: Is the Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Background: Over the last two weeks, you’ve discussed your career goals and read various perspectives about education, specifically the benefits (or lack thereof) of a four-year degree. While some authors like Ray and Rosenbaum highlight the limitations of a bachelor’s degree, Ungar and Leonhardt suggest that most students still benefit from obtaining one. Now, it’s time for you to “enter the conversation” and respond to these authors.
The Assignment:
Using the class readings and your experience, explain whether you think society is overemphasizing the bachelor’s degree. In other words, is a bachelor’s degree necessary to find satisfying work? Why or why not? In order to answer this question, you will need to define “satisfying work” in your introduction.
Requirements:
• An introduction that explains your definition of “satisfying work”
• A clear thesis that follows the prompt
• Body paragraphs that directly support your thesis and focus on one point at a time
• At least three quotes from at least two of the assigned readings below
• Careful proofreading
• Properly combined sentences with coordinators. Underline your coordinators.
Tips:
• Return to your annotations to find the best evidence for your essay
• Consider introducing the topic by sharing your career goals
• Use the TEA paragraph method to make sure your body paragraphs are focused
• Make an appointment at the Writing Center as soon as possible
Readings:
• TED Talk Video: “What Is a College Education?”
• “The New Liberal Arts”
• “Beyond One-Size-Fits-All College Education”
• “Is College Worth the Costs?”