Critical Analysis Papers consist of giving personal reflections, responses, and most importantly, critical analysis to back up all points. This paper should be 6-8 pages, not counting cover page and references page(s).
While our personal beliefs and experiences certainly influence our opinions in the classroom, students must use empirical and/or scholarly evidence to support and prove their points in all assignments. At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, we value the research process and the type of discourse that arises when we combine our own opinions with the research and learning we have done. (See Brookfield’s four phases in critical thinking on page 9 of this syllabus.) Opinions that do not have empirical and/or scholarly proof will not be accepted. Just because we believe something does not make it true – instead find others who have researched and supported your beliefs. For example, your textbook (or other empirically written books) serves as proof. A personal memoir or religious text would not serve as proof.
Do not simply summarize the readings, and do not simply discuss your personal experiences. Critical response papers need to include a minimum of 5 references to the text and/or videos and must be cited appropriately. (See “Critical Consciousness,” pages 10-11 of this syllabus.) In order to receive full credit for this assignment, you must cite the Spring book and at least 4 additional readings or videos from the course.
Sources: URL Video: Stevenson: TED Talk: “We Need to Talk about Injustice”
URL Lipsky, Internalized Racism
File International Congress of Youth Voices, “By the Youth, for the Youth”: A Manifesto for Tomorrow’s Activists
URL Video: Yeger, The Oppression of the Young.