This week we began examining the “College for All Philosophy” and Student Loan Debt. Based on ideas presented in the course readings, points made during lecture, and the documentary film, “Default,” here are three sets of questions for you to write about:
OPTION A
What are the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a 4-year college degree? Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? How does using a sociological lens (i.e. making the familiar strange & questioning what seems obvious) complicate our thinking about these questions?
Your written response must be between 500-600 words. Please make sure to integrate lecture content and course readings into your answer.
OPTION B
On Friday during class, we watched the documentary, “Default: The Student Loan Documentary.” What did you think about the documentary? After watching the documentary, do you believe that taking out student loans to finance a college education is a wise decision? Yes or no? Justify your answer.
Your written response must be between 500-600 words. Please make sure to integrate lecture content and course readings into your answer.
Default: the Student Loan Documentary (Broadcast Version)
OPTION C
Use your Sociological Imaginations to consider the ways in which the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic will affect the future of higher education. Will college enrollments increase or decrease? Why? Will the financial value of a college degree increase or decrease? Why?
Your written response must be between 500-600 words. Please make sure to integrate lecture content and course readings into your answer.
*Please choose either Option A, B, or C and make sure to specify which essay option (either A or B or C) you have chosen. Write “Option A” or “Option B” or “Option C” in the header or title. Do not combine questions from Option A, B and C.