Write a short three to four page evaluative, analytical essay (not descriptive) along the lines of inquiry suggested by the following: 
  
A. UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS

What did you think the concepts of “power” and “authority” meant when you first began this course of study? How have your initial conceptions changed since then? How would you describe your current understanding of these concepts at this point in the course?

Include in your discussion an explication of one other set of concepts introduced during the first weeks of the course; choose from the following list of possibilities:

* ·“western” / “nonwestern”/ “third world” OR
* “modernization” / “westernization” / “tradition” OR
* “gesellschaft” / “gemeinschaft” OR
* “hard power” / “soft power”

In your consideration of this second set of concepts, examine how the incorporation of these particular variables might contribute to enhancing your understanding of “power” and “authority” as experienced in nonwestern societies.

B. CONCEPT APPLICATION

Now think about how one set of these concepts might actually apply to your own personal situation: your life as a student, a member of a family, a neighborhood resident, a part of a local community, an American citizen. Organize your thoughts around ONE (and only one, not both) of the following two possible options:

1. Recount and analyze an incident or event from any aspect of your life (from work to personal) which explains how “power” and/or “authority” influence(s) your life. Make it clear how you think you were responding to either “power” (“hard” or “soft”) or “authority” or both, and why you think the force acting upon you was one or the other.
   
2. Who are you? How do you label yourself? How would you describe your family situation (in terms of, for example, how you and yours identify as "western" or "non-western," "modern" or "traditional” “gesellschaft” or “gemeinschaft”)? Why? With what kinds of larger groups do you identify as part of your society? Why? How do these aspects of personal identity reflect your understanding of concepts we have discussed in class?

In writing your essay, take into account the EVALUATION STANDARDS to be applied and consult the STYLE SHEET for these assignments as well.