Extra Credit – Essay: NCLS

Extra Credit – NCLS Essay [25 pts]

Due: T19 (1 Mar 11)

ASSIGNMENT: This year’s theme for NCLS is “Strength Within, Leadership Throughout.” The allusion to virtue ethics should be apparent, as we’ve just finished that section of the course. As you know, there’s a rich tradition associated with the term virtue; it serves as a link to our cultural roots and calls to mind an ideal that warriors have preserved for centuries. Compare that to the values promoted by other areas of society, and you get a sense for how virtue is highly regarded and sought after, but also extremely fragile. In the words of Marcus Aurelius (and Richard Harris), “There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish…”

We host the NCLS each year in part to help preserve our sense of virtue. The speakers have all, in one sense or another, embodied different virtues to overcome adversity in life. While attending NCLS events, consider these two questions:

1. What virtues did the speaker mention or allude to during his/her presentation? How were the virtues acquired and/or applied? What specific character traits did you observe? Has the speaker adapted a virtue to contemporary life? Is the virtue enduring or has it changed over time?

2. How can contemporary leaders preserve a sense of virtue? When addressing this topic, think about how technology and instant communication have changed our notions of virtue. When mistakes and scandalous behavior are posted somewhere minutes after they occur, does that affect our expectations of today’s leaders?

Select one of these topics and write a two-page (500 word) essay answering the question.

Your assessment should be based on what you hear and learn at the NCLS lectures. If the speaker doesn’t sufficiently addresses the topic you choose, ask them to in the Q & A. (Simple questions would be, “what virtues do you feel helped you during…?” “Is it harder to maintain virtue in today’s instant media culture?” etc.). You may critique the speaker(s) presentation or response, agree, disagree, etc. Remember that your own argument (your answer to the questions) should be based on solid reasons/premises.

GRADING: This assignment will be graded on your ability to analyze the NCLS Speaker’s position (10 pts.), build a solid argument of your own (10 pts.), and communicate both clearly (5 pts.).

ALTERNATE: For those who won’t be here for NCLS, contact me for an alternate assignment.