All incoming freshmen, regardless of major or transfer status, should complete the following assessment by August 1, 2013.

Part I. Read the novel We Were Soldiers Once...And Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (RET) and Joseph L. Galloway

Part II. Write:  Ethics Writing Sample

Part I: Read the Novel

We Were Soldiers Once...And Young describes the "early phase of Vietnam and delivers, as few other books have done, the dry-mouth fear, the heat, the fatigue, and, yes, the camaraderie of men in combat" (Associated Press). Through the novel's characters and events, you will be introduced to examples of leaders who must make ethical decisions in the midst of difficult situations. Reflecting on the leaders in this book and the way they face ethical crises will help you develop along your path to principled leadership.

To purchase your own copy of We Were Soldiers Once...And Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (RET) and Joseph L. Galloway, click here.

As you read the novel, we encourage you to make notes in the margins of your book or in a spiral notebook and to pay careful attention to the situations in which characters are faced with an ethical crisis that necessitates a difficult decision be made. Think about which ethical principles may be involved in making the decision, other points of view, and what you would have done. As you complete the Writing Assignment on the topic of ethics, you will want to refer to your notes and reflections.

Part II: Ethical Reasoning Writing Sample

Be careful to precisely follow the directions below to ensure your assignment is submitted properly.

Step One: Once you have finished reading We Were Soldiers Once...And Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (RET) and Joseph L. Galloway, write two pages (double-spaced) following the prompt below. Be sure to include a header on your essay that includes your full name (first, middle, and last) and your CWID #.

Step Two: Submit your essay through the CitLearn Assignments page and save your essay on a flash drive or other portable storage device. Please bring your book and essay with you when you report to school. You will refer to the book and to your notes as you study ethics and leadership at The Citadel.  Moreover, in case there are errors in your submission, you will want to have a copy of your essay.

Essay Prompt:
Write an essay of at least two pages, double-spaced, that addresses the following prompt about ethics in the novel We Were Soldiers.

In your essay, do the following:

1. Explain your own code of ethics and the basis for it.
2. Identify an ethical crisis faced by Lt. Gen. Moore or another character in the book and discuss which ethical principles are involved.
3. Evaluate the character’s response to the crisis and apply ethical principles in making your evaluation.
4. State whether or not the character’s solution is ethical and why, and if appropriate, explain what should have been done. Anticipate and defend against objections to your point of view.

To see how your essay will be evaluated, please click here review the Ethical Reasoning rubric.

There will be further instructions once you log in to CitLearn to explain how to attach and submit your essay.