GENE250 W5

You may choose between one of the following essay questions:

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1. Write an argumentative essay addressing homosexuality and the homosexual lifestyle. Is the so-called homosexual lifestyle against God’s Moral Law? Is it possible for a human being to truly flourish while acting out on homosexual desires? In your essay, ensure that you make use of the term human flourishing (as used in the "Human Flourishing" course reading). Use at least three authors from this week’s course readings either to help make your argument or to present a view contrary to your own. Ensure that your essay is sensitive to the current controversy but nonetheless takes a definitive stand on the issue.

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2. In I Corinthians 6:9-10, the apostle Paul writes, " Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." Is part of the reason Scripture treat sexual sins so seriously because God wants us to flourish as human beings? Write an argumentative essay arguing whether or not sexual sin is self-destructive (or destructive to one's relationships with God, spouse, family, etc.). Ensure that you make some use of human flourishing (as used in the "Human Flourishing" course reading) and the natural law in your argument, either in your own voice or to express a view contrary to your own.

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A successful paper will contain the following elements:

· Is between 500 and 700 words long.

· Has a clear, focused thesis or unifying message.

· Is a well organized, argumentative essay that transitions smoothly from point to point.

· Duly answers all of the questions presented in the assignment instructions.

· Shows that the author is aware of opposing points of view.

· Makes excellent use of the assigned Week 5 Study Materials (ie. readings) and the key concepts highlighted in the prompt to help shed light on the main points of the paper.

· Cites properly from the course texts, Scripture references, or outside sources using either MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual of Style.

· Demonstrates a polished writing style and is free from all spelling, grammar, and punctuations errors.

Do not hesitate to reach out to your instructor if you require additional coaching or guidance. A grading Rubric for this assignment can be found in below

Grading Rubric

Essay Grading RubricCriteriaRatingsPts

Thesis or Organizing Principle

5 pts

Exemplary

The essay has a clear, focused thesis, purpose, or unifying message that matches the claims made throughout the paper.

4 pts

Good

The essay has a thesis, purpose, or unifying message that could be more clear.

3 pts

Fair

The essay suggests some semblance of an overarching message to unify the claims made throughout the paper, but it is not clearly stated.

2 pts

Poor

The essay fails to convey a unifying message to connect the claims made throughout the paper.

/ 5 pts

Organization, Development, Integration, and Support

25 pts

Exemplary

The essay is very well-organized and transitions smoothly from paragraph to paragraph and from idea to idea. Quotes, if used, are integrated well into the flow of the paper. The student demonstrates a sensitivity to opposing points of view, which are either implicitly or explicitly considered.

22 pts

Good

The essay is fairly well-organized and demonstrates some difficulty transitioning from paragraph to paragraph and from idea to idea. Quotes, if used, may not be well integrated into the flow of the paper. The student does not appear to have considered any opposing points of view, or the student has unfairly dismissed a legitimate counterargument.

19 pts

Fair

The essay lacks organization and does not transition well from paragraph to paragraph and from idea to idea. Quotes, if used, are not well integrated into the flow of the paper. The student seems insensitive to any opposing points of view.

14 pts

Poor

The essay's structure and transitions are very poor. Quotes, if used, are not integrated into the flow of the paper.

/ 25 pts

Quality of Content and Use of Assigned Readings

25 pts

Exemplary

The essay responds well to the assignment instructions while demonstrating a keen understanding of the authors' positions presented in the assigned readings.

22 pts

Good

The essay responds well to the assignment instructions, but it could demonstrate a better understanding of the authors' positions presented in the assigned readings.

19 pts

Fair

The essay misses some important features included in the assignment instructions. The student struggles to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the authors' positions presented in the assigned readings.

14 pts

Poor

The essay does not follow the assignment instructions. The student does not demonstrate an understanding of the authors' positions presented in the assigned readings.

/ 25 pts

Mastery of Course Material

20 pts

Exemplary

The essay demonstrates an excellent grasp of the concepts presented in the course as they relate to the Decalogue. Terms are used correctly and with conceptual precision. Key points and insights are explained in a clear and articulate manner.

17 pts

Good

The essay demonstrates a fairly good grasp of the concepts presented in the course as they relate to the Decalogue. Terms are for the most part used correctly. Some insights or key points are made clear.

15 pts

Fair

The essay has difficulty demonstrating a good grasp of the concepts presented in the course. Terms are often not used correctly or are used in a way that is different from the assigned readings.

11 pts

Poor

The essay fails to demonstrate a grasp of the concepts presented in the course as they relate to the Decalogue. The essay uses terms in a way that is entirely different from the assigned readings.

/ 20 pts

Citations and Academic Style Formatting

10 pts

Exemplary

The essay correctly uses one of the three academic style and formatting conventions (Turabian, MLA, or APA) for all citations. The works cited, bibliography, or reference page matches the style chosen and is without error.

9 pts

Good

The essay uses one of the three academic style and formatting conventions (Turabian, MLA, or APA) for citations but may contain minor errors. The works cited, bibliography, or reference page matches the style chosen but may have minor errors.

7 pts

Fair

The essay resembles one of the three academic style and formatting conventions (Turabian, MLA, or APA), but citations contain errors or may be missing. The works cited, bibliography, or reference page does not match the style chosen, has significant errors, or is missing.

5 pts

Poor

The essay does not demonstrate a discernible system of documentation (Turabian, MLA, or APA). Quotes are used, but citations are missing.

/ 10 pts

Grammar, Punctuation, Style, and Mechaincs

15 pts

Exemplary

The essay demonstrates a polished writing style, excellent word choice, and is free from all grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

12 pts

Good

The essay demonstrates an effective writing style but contains some grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors and/or instances of poor word choice.

9 pts

Fair

The essay’s style lacks overall effectiveness. There are a number of major grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors and/or many instances of poor word choice.

5 pts

Poor

The essay’s style is not at all effective, and the essay contains major grammatical, punctuation, spelling, or word choice errors.

/ 15 pts