In order for us to be able to accept and grade your essay, you must sign the special sign-in sheet that will be at the entrance of the seminar room.

After attending this event, you must submit an essay that addresses the following concerns. You will submit only one version (extra-credit essays are not revised).

Your essay must be at least 1.5 pages but no more than 2.0 pages in length.

Essay Prompt:

• In her talk, Professor Scarry argued that our nuclear capabilities and decision structure are incompatible with rational self-governance. In 1.5-2 pages briefly explain her argument (or some specific aspect/aspects of it), what you found valid, and why. In your response, make sure to discuss at least two specific governmental or constitutional issues that Scarry saw as related to the issue of nuclear weapons.

Assume your audience is a typical University of Illinois student, but not a student in Physics 280. Begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence and omit any information that is not essential for addressing the points listed above. Make your paragraphs clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid repetition and unnecessary words, especially adjectives and adverbs, and use active voice.

The Student Handbook provides complete guidance on how to format and submit an extra-credit essay and how the score you earn on an extra-credit essay is counted in computing your total course score. Be sure to review the writing assignment submission checklist in the Handbook before you turn in your essay!