Boredom is Good For You Module Final Task
In our last module, we asked the question, ”Is Boredom Good For You”. We looked at the science behind boredom in addition to several different sources.
For each text, you were asked to reflect on how these concepts appealed to your own life by considering the following questions: what is the science
behind boredom? Why and how can boredom lead to mindful presence? How can boredom contribute to creativity?
Module Texts:
Article: Boredom is a Warning Sign. Here’s What It’s Telling You, by Richard Sima
TEDTalk: How Boredom Can Lead to Your Most Brilliant Ideas: Manoush Zomorodi
TEDTalk: Smartphones: It’s Time to Confront Our Global Addiction
TEDTalk: The Power of Staying Present: Sammie Fries
TEDTalk: How Learning to Live in the Now Changed My Life
Excerpt: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig
Article: Embrace Boredom to Become More Creative, by Ian H. Roberston
Article: How Present-Moment Awareness Can Make Life More Meaningful by Eric Langshur and Nate Klemp
Requirements:
● 750 words, 5 paragraphs in MLA format with a Works Cited page
● Use a minimum of 3 (at least 2 written and 1 video) sources we watched/read in class.
Task: To develop a claim, write about something related to the texts in this module and explain its value (or its lack of value). To defend your claim, draw
upon evidence from multiple sources, including at least 3 of the module’s texts. You can also use the experiences you have had and the reflections you
have written to develop your ideas.
Remember, claims of value are generally supported by cause and effect reasoning. Just like Robertson included examples of boredom’s positive effects
and Zomorodi discussed cell phones’ negative effects, your essay will probably need to explain the effects of whatever you choose to write about.
Format:
Introduction paragraph: provide an overview on your thoughts regarding boredom, creativity, and mindful presence. You are encouraged to discuss your
initial thoughts and views on these concepts prior to beginning the module and how they are or are not present in your own life and those of your peers.
3 body paragraphs: Utilize 3 or more texts/videos (one or more per body paragraph) to support your views, philosophies, and ideas in regard to the
concepts discussed in this module. In the body paragraphs you are encouraged to explore the questions at the top of this prompt, but also focus on the big
question of whether boredom is truly good for you and how.
Closing paragraph: Provide a clear restatement of your ideas regarding boredom, creativity and mindful presence now that you have completed the
module. Consider how your thinking was altered or changed by the information you were presented in the module.
