The Premise -

Use textual evidence and logical reasoning to prove an argument about one of the texts. To develop your thesis for the paper, please answer one of the questions from the second page of this document.

The Basics -

750-1000 words

MLA Format

In-text citations

Works Cited page with entries for the literary works

No secondary sources required

The Audience -

A group of well-educated readers who expect solid, professional, academic writing but are not necessarily familiar with your topic and text.

Suggested Outline for the Paper -

1. Introduction - Provide very brief background and context where you introduce readers to your topic and text. At the end of the intro, take a clear stance in a thesis statement where you directly answer one of the questions from the prompt. Try to list 2-3 supporting points or reasons you will use to prove your thesis.

2. Body Paragraph 1 - State the topic of the paragraph clearly in the first sentence of the paragraph (this should be one of the supporting points listed in your intro, NOT plot summary). Then quote a passage from the reading that can function as evidence to prove the idea from your topic sentence. Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, explain, using logical reasoning, in YOUR OWN WORDS, how the quotation proves the idea from the topic sentence.

3. Repeat the same structure in all your body paragraphs.

4. End with a conclusion that connects the different supporting points together and explains why the main idea is important so that you end on a cohesive note.

5. Use transitions throughout to connect each idea as you move from paragraph to paragraph so that the paper flows well.

Suggestions for Success -

Avoid grammatical and syntactical errors.
Possible Paper Topics (Answer one of these questions in your thesis) -

1. Compare and contrast a work from Weeks 1-4 (Iliad through Thousand and One Nights) with a work from Weeks 5-9 (Song of Roland through Hamlet). Identify the main theme (central message) of each work. Clearly outline how the theme of each work reflects the cultural values of the time. As your thesis, make a clear, succinct statement that explains how the similarities and differences between the two works illustrate the ways in which Western civilization has changed over time.

2. The phrase "There is something rotten in the state of Denmark" from Hamlet aptly describes the troubled court of Elsinore. What is it that is rotten about Denmark? How and why does Shakespeare portray the court of Elsinore as a "rotten," "unweeded garden?" When working to support your response, be sure to consider the different images and symbols that Shakespeare uses to describe the kingdom in this way.

3. Choose any work from the course and argue that it reflects the values of cosmopolitanism. Cosmopolitanism is a broad concept, so, by using your own critical thinking or by citing scholarly, peer-reviewed outside sources, provide a clear, succinct definition of cosmopolitanism. In the course of your paper, show how the literary work you have chosen meets the criteria for your definition of cosmopolitanism.