“Ways of Seeing”
Background Info:
Sometimes when people disagree, they share the same perception but nonetheless have a difference of opinion about what it means or what should be done. Often, however, people disagree because of a difference of perception: although they are observing the same situation, they do not perceive it the same way. The focus of this essay is for you to write an essay about such a difference of perception. Your paper should include a report of each observer’s perception and an analysis explaining how their distinct preconceptions lead them toward their distinct perceptions. You may write about a real situation or use characters from literature, cinema, or television. You may also use a situation in which one person has two distinct perceptions at two different times.
Directions:
For this essay, we will be focusing on the concept of “perception,” which is the theme of this course. There are three parts to this essay:
Identify the subject to be explored and explain its significance as to why it is important to explore the perceptions people have about this subject.
Present a minimum of two perceptions (see outline) and explain why those perceptions exist using evidence. The evidence for this essay will include primary sources (see resource about primary source material). The two or more perceptions can follow one of the following approaches:
The writer (you) as an observer- This approach asks you to simply report out on two various perceptions about the subject. You will not include your own perceptions in this conversation just the other perceptions.
You and another perception(s)- This approach asks you to report out on someone else’s perspective (or a group’s perspective) and yours (or you as part of another group). You will be able to use the first person (I) using this approach.
You at two different points in your life- This approach asks you to include your perception at two stages or points in your life and include a “conversation” about what makes these two different points change your perception.
Analyze the perceptions presented and present what you think it means in relation to your own ideas etc. In other words, answer the “so what” question and tell your audience why the perceptions you explore are important (see outline for more information).
Considerations:
This assignment is meant to stretch not only your perceptive abilities, but also your creative and critical thinking abilities. Think of the world as a larger text with you as a reader of that text. With each essay you compose, you are adding to that text in meaningful ways.
