For this unit, you have read Kavanagh's definition essay on "Ideology," and you have read Marx and Engels' The Communist Manifesto. Class discussions have included some further reflection on the concepts of ideology, our preconceived notions of capitalism, democracy, communism, and class. We have talked about some of the "apparatus" that contribute to the shaping of our ideologies, such as family, church, school, media, art, etc.

Your essay assignment asks you to analyze YOUR reading of the Manifesto and to reflect on your beliefs in relation to that text. You need to focus on your beliefs, how you think you came to believe what you believe, how those beliefs caused you to react to the Manifesto, and if your reading, your analysis, and your experience in the community has changed your beliefs at all (how and why/not).

Write an essay of about 5 pages in which you:

• Identify some part of the Manifesto that made you react strongly (either positively or negatively)
• Explain the concept as it is presented in the text (that is, summarize and explicate for your reader)
• Explain your reaction to the concept (that is, clarify for the reader how you reacted initially)
• Identify WHY you reacted that way; how does the concept go counter to or conflict with your beliefs/worldview/ideology?
• Analyze the ways that you had come to believe what you believe prior to reading the text that made you react the way you did
• Consider the concept you reacted against or for (that is, read as a believer or vice versa for a moment. What would it mean to "buy in" to that concept? Argue with yourself)
• Consider how the concept relates to your community experience; does your experience in the community lend support to your preconceived beliefs? Does it lend support to or against the concept you are reacting to?
• Analyze how or if your beliefs have been challenged, confirmed, or changed by your reading and service experience.

Do not stylistically analyze the Manifesto in terms of vocabulary or "dullness." I am not especially interested in your willingness to read old material. But do analyze the Manifesto in terms of how it impacted or conflicted with your beliefs. You need to establish who you are and what ideology you see the world from (at least that part of your ideology you can uncover and see as relevant to the reading of the Manifesto).

The preliminary draft should be a short statement of the concept you will be working with and what you think you will discover about your response. The rough draft should be as complete as possible in order for you to get the most feedback.

Preliminary Draft Due (to be posted on web--you respond to one): Monday, April 20

Rough Draft Due (bring a copy for peer editing, email electronic copy): Monday, April 27

Responses to Rough Draft Due (1): Thursday, April 30

Final Drafts Due: Monday, May 4

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