Non-Violence and the struggle for social changes

Length: 45 pages (excluding bibliography and cover page)

Formatting: Double-spaced, 12-point font, standard academic formatting (e.g., 1-inch margins)

This assignment invites you to critically examine Mahatma Gandhi as an individual, analyzing his personality, beliefs, and actions as presented in his work An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Rather than exploring Gandhi as an idealized figure or a saint, this essay challenges you to assess Gandhi the man, with all his complexities, contradictions, and achievements.

Your essay should combine personal reflection with academic analysis, incorporating relevant material from the course and integrating specific examples from Gandhis autobiography. Support your arguments with evidence from the text and other course readings.

Key Questions to Address:

In your analysis, you are encouraged to address some or all of the following questions:

1. Gandhi and Liberation:

• When Gandhi discusses liberation, does he include women in his vision? How does he address issues of gender and equality?

1. Gandhi and Race:

• What are Gandhis views on race, particularly as they relate to his experiences in South Africa? How do these views inform his overall philosophy of justice and equality?

1. Gandhis Vision for Liberation:

• Who specifically did Gandhi aim to liberate through his work? How inclusive was his vision?

1. Gandhis Nonviolence Movement:

• What are the strengths and limitations of Gandhis nonviolence movement as a whole? How effective was it in achieving his goals, and what criticisms can be made of his strategies or outcomes?

Expectations and Guidelines:

• Thesis and Argument: Your essay should present a clear thesis statement that outlines your central argument or perspective on Gandhi as portrayed in his autobiography. Develop your argument with critical analysis and examples.
• Use of Course Materials: You must engage directly with An Autobiography and incorporate additional relevant course readings or materials to support your analysis.
• Citation Requirements: Properly cite all sources using a recognized academic citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, or Chicago). Include in-text citations and a bibliography at the end of your essay.
• Critical Reflection: While this assignment allows for personal reflection, ensure that your observations are grounded in evidence from the text and course discussions. Avoid overly general statements or unsupported claims.

Your essay will be graded based on the following:

1. Thesis and Argument Development (30%):

• Is there a clear thesis?
• Is the argument well-structured, logical, and supported by evidence?

1. Engagement with Text and Course Material (30%):

• Does the essay incorporate specific examples and quotations from An Autobiography and other course materials?
• Are the sources used effectively to support the analysis?

1. Critical Thinking and Analysis (20%):

• Does the essay demonstrate a nuanced understanding of Gandhis personality and philosophy?
• Are contradictions, limitations, or complexities addressed thoughtfully?

1. Organization and Clarity (10%):

• Is the essay well-organized and easy to follow?
• Are transitions between ideas smooth and logical?

1. Formatting and Citations (10%):

• Does the essay meet the formatting requirements?
• Are all sources cited correctly in a consistent academic style?