Short Midterm Essay: Reflection on Race and Ethnicity

This assignment is used midway through the course to encourage students to reflect on how their understanding of race and ethnicity has developed. This reflection helps students identify key themes and moments that have shaped their perspectives, making their learning more personal and relevant.

This short reflection essay assignment is designed to encourage students to reflect on their learning moments related to course topics during the first half of the class. It also enables instructors to assess students’ learning processes and adjust learning goals and teaching strategies accordingly for the remainder of the semester.

It is recommended that instructors use this assignment to gauge student engagement and understanding, as well as to prompt students to set intentions for deeper participation in the latter half of the semester. The grading criteria are attached to the assignment for reference.

Courses: Introduction to Sociology, Race and Ethnicity in America, Cultural Diversity and Society, Social Issues in American History, Foundations of Social Work, and Education for Social Justice.

Author: Hart M. Zhang, Anthropology, The Graduate Center, CUNY


Assignment