The Gravest Threat to Colleges Comes from Within Assignment || English Homework Helpers

The Gravest Threat to Colleges Comes from Within Question

Analyze "The Gravest Threat to Colleges Comes From Within". The essay to analyze should address the following questions:

• In what sense is the topic debatable? Is it stated fairly and fully?

• What stance does the writer take among the available positions on the topic?

• Does the writer also call for action, or does he or she present a solution to a problem? If yes, is the writer convincing.

• Is the writer’s argument well-reasoned and effectively supported with reliable evidence? Is it free of logical fallacies?

• Is the tone measured and free of manipulative language?

Essay Requirements:

• The thesis should state whether or not this article’s thesis was proven and effective and the main reasons why or why not.

• The essay should be at least 750 words and no more than 1,000 words in length.

• Must have identifiable: an introduction with hook/attention-getter at the beginning, thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph, body paragraphs with clear and effective topic sentences, and meaningful and well-developed conclusion

• Refrain from using 1st (I, me, we) or 2nd pronouns (you, your, you’re)

• Refrain from using contractions (can’t, won’t)

• Refrain from using colloquialisms, slang, clichés

The Gravest Threat to Colleges Comes from Within Essay

Introduction

Colleges have established themselves as the providers of open spaces for intellectual and academic freedom; whereby learners get to exchange ideas and comfortably communicate to their superiors without the fear of condemnation and persecution. The freedom of speech and expression has proved to be very fundamental in the progression of the current world’s economy, educational systems, industrial sector, breakthroughs in medicine etc. Despite the positive aspects of this phenomenon, the negatives have outweighed the advantages with the learners misusing these opportunities. Learning institutions are currently experiencing one of the greatest problematic occurrences and thus resulting in the continuous unrest of both the administration and the student population.

The students tend to rebel and object the studies assigned to them, the speakers and lecturers delegated the duties of educating them (Bass). They claim that the academic burden has resulted in the triggering of anxieties, and in certain instances, tends to violate individual beliefs. These colleges are therefore facing criticism from both the scholars and the community, especially in relation to conflicting ideologies expressed by faculty members and lecturers in the classrooms. Moreover, they demand that their needs ought to be met since they pay tuition fees and hence they ought to be involved in the decision making process; in relation to what they are to be exposed to. In general, according to the writer of the article, these individuals want to transform the learning institutions into vocational training centers for the primary benefit of the corporate sector of the United States.

In what sense is the topic debatable? Is it stated fairly and fully?

The topic regarding colleges is debatable and is primarily open for discussion with both parties having varying point of views. It is fundamental to comprehend the fact that both the scholars and the administrators agree with the advent of educational freedom without censorship but differ in terms of the utilization of this opportunity. Both parties believe that higher education has paved way for academic liberation, whereby all individuals are permitted to express themselves; hence, the lack of it would result in the abandonment of the primary purpose of establishing these institutions. Nonetheless, this does not qualify for students to utilize these opportunities by denying the faculty members and leaders the chance of conveying the appropriate ideas, creative works, inquiries, and expressions in the academic setting.

The administration believes that the decision of shielding learners from controversial topics and ideas would deter the potential of becoming responsible and critical thinkers in society (Bass). This is an especially important skill to acquire in order to navigate through life and thus students should not be given the option of opting out. However, they do acknowledge the presence of students who experience personal difficulties when exposed to controversial issues and tend to offer support services. On the other hand, the student might argue that due to the high college fees that they are demanded to pay, they ought to be considered in the making of policies in the institutions. Moreover, they should be allowed the choice of not participating in certain intellectual inquiries since in some cases; it might trigger anxiety and discomfort. Therefore, it is fully stated.

What stance does the writer take among the available positions on the topic?

The writer tends to agree with the administration and condemns the students for creating an environment full of acrimony and tension due to their unreasonable demands. This, in turn, results in a restriction of exchanging ideas. This is a concept that defeats the primary purpose of these learning institutions which were established to promote an atmosphere where differing views would be discussed and debated for the betterment of society. According to the writer, this issue is worse in comparison to the embezzlement of funds, corruption in regards to enrollments, irregularities in ranking, and inadequate leadership. This further depicts the stance that he takes among the available positions.

Moreover, the writer further describes the manner in which these institutions ought to run and the how students should conduct themselves, especially when airing out their grievances and varying ideas. He elaborates the restrictions that existed in the past by giving an excellent example of the 1950s; whereby the created atmosphere was that of extreme fear towards the lecturers and professors. Majority of the developments that scholars currently take for granted were once considered controversial or even taboo and such opposition would be met with punishment and persecution. Therefore, the advent of universities and colleges greatly assisted in the liberation of the oppressed population and thus generated a climate of academic freedom. Hence, it is important for learners to understand the history in order to avoid the current abuse of this phenomenon. In general, the writer appeals to the student population to adequately utilize their academic freedom in important matters such as the promotion of a creative spirit and not exploit it in revolting against the administrative department without substantial motives.

Is the writer’s argument well-reasoned and effectively supported with reliable evidence? Is it free of logical fallacies?

The writer’s arguments are well-reasoned out and effectively supported by reliable evidence from authentic sources. An excellent reference that was utilized was the American University Faculty Senate’s approved Resolution on Freedom of Academic Expression. It echoed the opinions of the writer by citing that the American University champions the idea of the provision of a favorable environment that promotes the exchange of ideas without inflicting punishment and censorship. According to the authorities, the freedom of expression is a very integral aspect of the institution that aids in the learning process. They also support the need to advise scholars on controversial topics beforehand; despite that, they should not be given the option of opting out. It is understandable that colleges are made of individuals originating from various backgrounds and with varying beliefs that ought to be respected; nonetheless, it is also fundamental for the institution not to allow the restriction generated around certain educational areas due to individual sensitiveness. These are among the principals and standards that the university should not compromise on. Therefore, the argument under discussion is free of rational misapprehension and can thus be termed as credible.

Does the writer also call for action, or does he or she present a solution to a problem? If yes, is the writer convincing?

The writer does call for action from the students by requesting them to monitor the manner in which they utilize the freedom of expression. He emphasizes that this is a privilege considering that in the past such actions would result in various punishments and censorship. The writer is very convincing considering that he utilizes credible resources in driving his views across and does it in a manner that is educative and by offering a solution to the issue.

Is the tone measured and free of manipulative language?

The writer’s tonal variation is measured and free of manipulative language. He tends to leave a positive impression on the audience reading the article and does not attempt to influence people’s emotion for individual purposes. Despite possessing strong beliefs in the misuse of the freedom of expression in colleges, the writer politely tries to educate the student population on the origin and the primary purposes of these learning institutions and the need to value the opportunities presented to them. He advises them to freely air out their varying ideas but still respect the administration.

Conclusion

Consequently, the essay analyzed, The Gravest Threat to Colleges Comes from within, was well elaborated by the writer who adequately explained the concept under discussion. He stated his standpoint in the issue and further pointed out why the opposing parties ought to respect the opportunities presented to them in terms of the freedom of expression and avoid the misuse by opposing the administration with baseless facts.