Question: Read Charpter 3 "Weeping for the lost matriarchy".

In this preliminary, in-class essay you will develop an argument about at least two of our readings. You will begin by asking questions about themes and issues that have come up in our readings, choosing the ones you are most interested in answering, and explaining why each question is important to you and why it would be important to other people. From there you will develop a thesis and write as much of the body paragraphs as you can. We will save doing the introduction and conclusion for the next draft. The paper you turn in today should have the following parts:

Part 1: 1. Come up with 3-5 questions about the issues and themes we have been exploring in the readings.

2. For each of your questions answer these three questions (NOTE: For this part of the essay it is OK to use personal pronouns):

1. Why is this question important to me?

2. Why would this question be important to others?

3. Which readings would best help me answer my questions?

Note: For parts 2 & 3 of this essay DO NOT use personal pronouns.

Part 2:Formulate a thesis by making an argument in response to one or all of your questions. (It may turn out that you could answer more than one of your questions if they are closely related.) The thesis for an argument paper such as this one should make a statement about the reading and then provide at least one reason or explanation for that statement.

Part 3: Do not write an introduction or conclusion to your paper, but do write as much of the body of the paper as possible.