15 Aug Great work as a frame
You may not use any secondary sources; the essay should be you closely analyzing and in dialogue with the literature, not book-report-Wikipedia-factoids. If you do not follow these guidelines, you’ll earn a zero on the essay. If you do not submit 4 full pages, meeting the base-level requirement, then you will earn a zero.
Regardless of your topic or text(s), work towards developing an original idea that moves beyond what we have said in class–there should be some tension in your ideas! Provoke. Put forth an argument that a reasonable person could reasonably argue against. Our class discussions can influence your argument, but a strong essay should also say something new about the text. In other words, you want to use this assignment to showcase your own ability to think critically and imaginatively about our texts. Simply put, don’t be boring because you aren’t. The goal is to develop a coherent and clear argument supported by specific textual examples and analysis. Be sure to have a thesis/main idea/main argument: What is your main point and why should your audience care? Say why your argument matters. Your main point should be clearly articulated by the end of the first or second paragraph of the paper. Stay away from clichés, opinions and platitudes (avoid the “Hallmark card” thesis). Some questions to keep in mind: Did you teach the audience something new? Did you approach the issue from a fresh angle that in turn generated new insights? Do not give me a book report and do not let your voice take a back seat to the texts. Above all, be creative.
We’ve talked a lot about what makes a “great work” or what renders a song, painting, story, sculpture, film, poem, photograph or tv show a “masterpiece.” For this option, define your criteria for a great work or, given our discussion of aesthetics, what is a masterpiece for you? Then, using your definition of a great work as a frame, argue how one text from our course is indeed a masterpiece, drawing on specific examples (through direct quotation and paraphrase) that support your argument for greatness. Some questions to keep in mind: are your criteria in keeping with western standards of “beauty”? How might (or might not) your identity and experience inform what a masterpiece is to you? Do you think people hundreds of years from now will still consider your chosen text a masterpiece?
“Anyone who’s a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows all that matters: Is it good? Does it give pleasure?”—Anthony Bourdain (RIP)
