2010 Fall Final Exercise

Due:

Last Day of Final Exams, Tuesday, December 21, By Blackboard.

Length:

c. 4-5 pp. should cover the territory–I’ll read more, if you get inspired.

Topic:

A Reflection on “Respect”.

The kind of thing I’m asking you to do doesn’t really respond well to “previews,” I think. But I’m willing to talk with you about what you’re thinking either in the office or by e-mail. I’ll be in every day during the final exam period. The reading day prior will be taken up largely by a history department meeting, but Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday I should be in from c. 8:30 - 5:00

The idea of respect has been a constant throughout this course. We’ve seen examples of respect withheld and examples of respect given. We’ve seen the damage caused by a lack of self-respect, as well as the repair of that damage through efforts of individuals and agencies to rebuild a person’s sense of confidence and respect for his/her own capabilities. Finally, we’ve put an analysis of respect at the center of our discussions.

Each class member has chosen one of six persons discribed as exemplars of respect, and all have participated in class discussions about the character attributes of the other five. Most of the students in this class are preparing for professions which will bring them into contact with others from all walks of life in a wide variety of professional and personal situation.

Here’s what I’d like to have you reflect upon.

What traits of character or methods of interaction would you like to add to to your repertoire of ideas and behaviors as you move forward to practice your chosen profession? Use the person you chose, plus at least one other person from the book. Remember that the behaviors and techniques can be applied in situations other than those in which our exemplars found themselves.