UNCC100: UNPACKING THE FINAL TASK
Task: 2000 words (or equivalent)
Description: The aim of this task is to define the common good in relation to this topic. The common good is what is best for all, as opposed to the particular goods that each stakeholder may pursue. Your response should analyse the various perspectives and critique these using relevant principles of human flourishing, in order to show how the common good might be achieved. Choose one of the two Hot Topics and three of the perspectives represented by the major stakeholders in the issue.
Structure your essay according to the following framework (word count is given as a guide only):
• Briefly describe the issue and explain how this is an issue which affects the common good. (200 words) (criterion 1) (INTRODUCTION)
• Describe and explain the perspectives of three stakeholders. Include a discussion of the main arguments they put forward and the resolution/s they would opt for. (700 words) (criterion 2)
• Choose three principles of human flourishing that are relevant to this issue. Use these principles to analyse each perspective you described above and discuss the ways in which the perspectives of these stakeholders support or hinder the common good. (800 words). (criterion 3)
• How might the common good be achieved in relation to this issue? Suggest a specific course of action and explain how this would best serve the common good. Include a proposal for what each stakeholder could do and what society as a whole could do to promote the achievement of the common good in relation to this issue. (300 words) (criterion 4) (CONCLUSION)
Choose one hot topic from those presented…………………………………………………………………..
Structure
(from above list) Meeting the criteria Example
Dot point 1: Describe the issue (100 words).
Explain why this is an issue which affects the common good (100 words).
This dot point relates to Criterion 1: Description and explanation of the issue as one which affects the common good. (10%)
You need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the issue, and show how the issue applies to discussions about the common good. The issue of ……………. is of great relevance to the common good because….. (Define the Common Good, and state how this issue is linked to or affects the common good).
Some relevant points around the issue of …………….. today are….
Important skills:
Define
Describe
Explain
Create links
• Show you understand the issue or topic (background/overview) and the terms or concepts around the issue.
• Introduce factors relevant to the ‘hot topic’ you are discussing.
• Link this to your knowledge of the common good and identify and explain why and how this issue impacts the common good.
Dot point 2:
Describe and explain the perspectives of three stakeholders.
What arguments would they put forward? What resolution would they opt for? Who wins and who loses under each possible resolution?
(700 words)
This dot point relates to Criterion 2: Description and explanation of three stakeholders’ perspectives in relation to the issue. (30%)
You need to demonstrate that you understand the stakeholders’ perspectives and can think critically about these. From the perspective of stakeholder x (eg. the
Government), the following are key issues…..
Clearly, from the point of view of x (eg. businesses), data suggest that ……
X stakeholder may not wish the situation to change because…..
NOTE: it will not get you marks to just state the stakeholders. You have to use the relevant detail from the source material to analyse their perspective on the topic.
Some useful terms:
.. data suggests
.. data states
.. in the case of
.. it can be seen that .. evidence points to
.. as is the case in the example
Important skills:
Describe
Explain
Synthesise
Analyse
Critique
• Look at the stakeholders presented in the ‘hot topic’ and choose three that best demonstrate the variety of perspectives on the issue.
• For each stakeholder, draw together (synthesise) all of the information presented in the ‘hot topic’ document and clearly explain their position.
• Think about how each stakeholder has arrived at their perspective and why.
• What do each of these stakeholders think should happen with regards to the issue?
• Does their resolution help them? How?
• Does their resolution impact other stakeholders and, if so, how?
With thanks to Anita Winkeler Copyright © Australian Catholic University 2013; updated 2015
Be specific about the stakeholder you are discussing. Use the information and links provided in the ‘Hot Topic’ to show you can synthesise the information and that you understand the question and concepts.
of (x)
.. from the perspective of (x) .. clearly from the point of view of (x)
Dot point 3:
Identify three relevant principles of human flourishing and apply them to the perspectives you have discussed. (800 words).
This dot point relates to Criterion 3: Critical analysis of the perspectives in relation to the principles of human flourishing and the achievement of the common good. (30%)
You need to show an understanding of cause and effect in relation to your chosen ‘hot topic’: the consequences of each perspective and possible resolutions, in relation to human flourishing and the common good. The issue of ……………… for X is directly linked to the common good because of …. and its relationship to human flourishing through….
As a consequence of introducing X’s initiatives Y would be affected by……. which affects/goes against/promotes Z principle of human flourishing by…… This means that….
Some useful terms:
.. as a consequence
.. this would result in (or lead to)
.. the effect of this is
.. this means that
.. (X) would be a result
Important skills:
Apply
Analyse
Critique
• Choose three principles of human flourishing that are relevant to, or are affected by the three stakeholder perspectives you discussed above.
• Use the three chosen principles to analyse the perspectives.
• Do the resolutions proposed uphold the chosen principles of human flourishing or are these principles ignored in these resolutions?
• To what extent does each resolution help to promote the common good?
• To what extent does each resolution pose a problem for the achievement for the common good?
• Be sure to explain your answers thoroughly.
Dot point 4: How might the common good best be served? Who would need to do what in order to promote the common good?
(300 words)
This dot point relates to Criterion 4: Critical reflection on how the common good may best be served. (20%)
You need show that you can evaluate, judge and make recommendations in light of your analysis. Following X’s suggestions would have a significant impact on all stakeholders. In the short term this would affect x, y and z. In the long term it will lead to
……... It would depend on
Thus, the best possible solution to meet the common good would be ……
Some useful terms:
... in the long run
... in the short term
... it depends on
… use scope terms (eg small, insignificant, large, vast, etc)
Important skills:
Assess
Evaluate
Recommend
Justify
• You need to be specific here: what course of action should be taken in order to achieve the common good in relation to the issue?
• Identify very specific actions which may need to be taken by each stakeholder.
• Will some stakeholders need to moderate their views/actions for the good of all? If so, how?
• Justify why this is the action/option/choice you would opt for.
Criterion 5 Criterion 5: Written and/or oral English expression including spelling, punctuation and grammar. (5%) Use well-structured paragraphs for each point.
Be sure to spell terms correctly, using commas etc. Use specialist terms appropriately etc.
Things to check:
• Text is legible
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear
• Select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and to complex subject matter
• Organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Criterion 6 Criterion 6: Consistent and correct use of selected academic referencing style. (5%) The reader should be able to locate the source of any direct quote or paraphrase.
Things to check:
• All paraphrases and direct quotes are referenced fully and correctly.
• All material from the hot topic itself is referenced fully and correctly.
• The style you are using has been identified in the header or footer.
• A complete bibliography or reference list is attached.
With thanks to Anita Winkeler Copyright © Australian Catholic University 2013; updated 2015