The paper (8-12 pages long) is due Wed., June 8, in my office, Gates-Blake 228, by 4:30pm. Gates-Blake is the building connected to Cobb. (The 4:30pm limit is mostly because Gates-Blake gets locked at some point in the evening--I'm not sure exactly when.)
As was the case with the first paper: 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 me and/or the writing intern first.
Note that the topics tend to have many
sub-questions. You need not (and probably should not) try to answer
all of them. (You certainly should not just answer them one
after another in order--that would make a bad paper.) I put them
there to suggest various directions for thinking about the topic, and
in particular to head off superficial or excessively simple ways of
thinking about it.
In general you should try to discuss two or three
different authors, including at least one from the later part of this
course (post-Kant)--but there could be exceptions to that for a
really good idea; if you're not sure, check with me. Some of the
topics also suggest the use of other sources; in general you are
welcome to bring in such other sources (especially things you read in
previous quarters) if you think they're relevant. If you do so,
however, please make sure it's still clear that the paper was written
for this course.
As usual, the intent of the paper is to discuss the
views or attitudes of the authors and/or their characters, rather than
your own opinions on the topic. Don't forget that the author of a work
of fiction doesn't necessarily agree with the views expressed by all
or any of its characters. Also, don't forget that some characters are
dishonest or confused or hypocritical (they may not accurately
report--even to themselves--either what has happened, or what they
desire or intend, or what they think or feel); also, remember that
some may change their views as time goes on. (These remarks mostly
apply to Gene Wolfe, but Nietzsche, in Beyond Good and Evil,
also has some fictional characters. And there are the movies.)
Recall as usual that a good comparison paper
requires that there be interest in the comparison. That is: it should
not just be two (or more) papers stuck together, one about one author
and one about the other. Rather, it should show something interesting
and unexpected about the relationship between the two (or more)
authors discussed. For example, it might uncover unexpected
similarities (and explain the differences that make those similarities
difficult to recognize), or pinpoint the exact point at which two
authors fundamentally disagree.
If you're using the editions I ordered, you can
refer to the readings just by giving the page number. If you use a
different edition and/or some other source, please give at least
enough bibliographical information that I can find it if
necessary. There's no need for a separate bibliography or title page.