Robert Putnam, social capital and civic community

Guidelines:   See the Walljasper article (1977) listed in the week 1 E-Readings.

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/[email protected]5&vid=1&hid=4202

(1)  Write a brief reflective paper (double-spaced,1-3 pages) on this reading. Immerse yourself in any part of the story’s actors described in the article that you like best.  Address the following questions in your reflections: (a) Have you been directly involved in any similar social action within a community?  (b) If so, how did you feel in terms of self-satisfaction that you had even a small part in the betterment of others?  (c)  If not, what would you do to help your neighborhood, if it was similar to the one on Dudley Street? 

(2)        Conclude your reflection paper with a final paragraph on the lesson you learned through this Dudley Street Initiative and its actors, answering this question: Considering my personality type and my likes and dislikes what will I most likely do to foster social capital  in my community? 

Rubric  for Assessment Part Four   

Outstanding

Good

Needs Improvement Background or introduction/

abstract

Contains all needed information and appeals to the reader.Background is accurate and precise, and leads the reader to an understanding of what is to be presented.

 Introduces the subject, but does not cover all issues. 

The reader is somewhat prepared to understand the essence of the subject matter

Narrative with Evidence Highly accurate and precise description of the issues and problems, along with careful consideration of alternatives or solutions.

Contains relevant values’ examples, and indicates  salient issues the examples highlight.

 Description of the problems and issues are accurate and precise. 

Possible alternatives or solutions are considered.

Provides several good examples of social capitalDescription of the problems and issues barely cover the basic theme. 

The reader has a minimum grasp of social capital issues.

Analysis/Synthesis Breaks the issue or argument into relevant parts. 

Connections between the parts are clear, accurate, and articulate.

Position/actions on social capital is accurately applied. 

 Breaks the issue or argument into relevant parts.

Connections between the parts are and make a good critique. 

Position/actions on social capital accurately applied.Fair attempt at addressing the problems and issues.  

Includes comparison of values without a critical analysis. 

Does not accurately portray a position on social capital issues for the future.