Write an essay (of roughly 4-5 pp. or 1200-1500 words) in which you discuss an idea or theme with reference to two works we have discussed.
The idea or theme and the works are your choice except that (i) the works should be from different discussions and by different authors and (ii) at least one should be from more recent discussions (beginning with Feb. 20—i.e., after Pinker). Your essay concerning them should include the following elements:
• An introduction to the idea or theme. Think of the idea or theme as your topic. It might be a concept expressed by a single word (e.g., ‘guilt’), but it might have a more complex description (e.g., ‘being a citizen of the world’) or even take the form of a question (e.g., ‘Who am I?’).
• Ties to each of two works. You should note a detail—e.g., a passage, an event, a character—in each of two works that sheds light on the idea or theme. It might be an example or illustration of it, but it might be related in other ways—for example, as an example or illustration of the opposite idea (e.g., freedom from guilt) or something analogous (e.g., a search for immortality shedding light on a search for oneself).
• A discussion of what you have learned from these ties. Say what light the ties shed on the idea or theme. Here you should have something to say about each of the ties in individually and about the relation between the two, how what you have learned from the two is similar or different.
I’ve again tried to state these elements in a way that could serve as an outline for the paper if you find that helpful, but it’s not necessary that you address them in order. In any case, each of the four—i.e. the introduction to the idea or theme, the individual discussions of the two works, and your discussion of what you have learned from them—should get a roughly equal attention in your essay.
Although I’ll be willing to accept your essay on paper, I’d prefer that you send a copy by e-mail (either as an attachment or in the body of a message). My address is helmang@wabash.edu.