3-2 Short Answer: Biases and Assumptions

Overview

Many times, as we engage with a creative work, our own biases and assumptions creep into how we interpret the work. In many cases, this has to do with the topic the creative work portrays rather than the work itself. Everyone has biases and assumptions, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Our biases and assumptions come out of our experiences, perceptions, and observations. In this assignment, you will have a chance to analyze some of your own biases and assumptions regarding the topic you chose for your project.

Directions

In this short answer assignment, you will consider the topic you chose for your project (diversity, mental health, or activism) in the Module Two Project Proposal and the assumptions or biases that you may have regarding this topic. You are considering your own position and opinions in this assignment. In Module Four, you will expand on those ideas by looking at the biases and assumptions in your creative works. You are welcome to consider the creative works in this assignment if you wish, but the focus of this assignment is the topic you’ve chosen, not the creative works.

Specifically, you must address the following:

1. Perceptions and Observations: Describe some perceptions and observations present in your thinking regarding your chosen topic.
   1. What factors or experiences may have contributed to these perceptions?
   2. What is your prior knowledge about this particular topic?
2. Biases and Assumptions: Explain your own biases and assumptions regarding the topic you chose for your project.
   1. What biases and assumptions do you have about this topic?
   2. Where do you think those biases and assumptions influenced your perception?
   3. What are your stances on issues about the topic?