The paper (3-5 pages long) is due Wed., Oct. 21, in class.
The below topics are suggestions. If you want to
write on another topic, feel free to do so. It might be a good idea,
however, in that case, to check with one of us first.
Since the main point of the papers is to help you
think carefully and in detail about the material, it is important to
find specific, relevant pieces of text which support your
point(s). (Refer to the Iliad by book and line numbers, and to
Plato by Stephanus numbers--give full bibliographical references only
if you for some reason bring in an outside source. It is not necessary
to quote the text you cite, unless the specific wording is important
to your point.)
There is no need for you to establish a crushing argument in favor any
thesis. For example, it is perfectly fine, in fact probably a very
good sign, if you can't come down on one side or the other of a
question: just make sure to cite texts which pull you in different
directions. And it is fine, actually unavoidable, to rely on one or
two key examples, assuming without proof that they are somehow
representative.
(Grading criteria: the best thing you can do
is have an interesting and surprising idea. If you have such an idea,
structure your paper around it, don't save it for the last paragraph!
It is also important to show a careful engagement with the texts,
however: you can easily get an A even though we think your conclusions
are wrong, but you will be graded down if we think your reading is
careless. Finally, it is also important, though not as
important, to have a coherent and well-structured argument. I
encourage you to proofread carefully, but typographical errors,
spelling, grammar, etc., will not affect your grade.)