Category: Essays

Based on one of the questions below, write a 5-6 page essay (typed, double-spaced). You may draw on all available materials for this class but the focus should be on the primary texts in question. No outside reading is necessary or expected. If you would like to write a paper on another topic or another question, please contact me about this at least one week in advance so that we can discuss alternative topics/questions. All essays should be concise, tightly argued, and to the point. They should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the text(s) and the relevant contexts. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and style. Avoid lengthy quotations from the texts, but do not stray into vague generalities. Back up assertions with references to page numbers [e.g., “Burke claimed that property is the proper basis for government” (15).]. Footnotes and bibliography are not necessary. Please number your pages. You do not need to include a title page. 2. Dostoevsky’s novel The Possessed/Demons (1872), which we read in the dramatization by Albert Camus, was based on the so-called Nechaev Affair of 1869, in which Sergey Nechaev, the leader of a revolutionary cell at the University of Moscow, killed or had killed a member of the cell named Ivanov after he attempted to leave it. Ivanov’s body was dumped in a hole in the ice (this was late November in Moscow!) but it was soon found. In the ensuing police reaction, many of Nechaev’s followers were arrested while Nechaev himself slipped across the border to Switzerland. Based on the evidence in The Possessed, how does Dostoevsky understand the origin, nature, and adherents (leaders and followers) of Nechaev’s form of revolutionary violence? What does he see as the role of “nihilism” in it? Given other things we have read, what are the strengths and limitations of Dostoevsky’s approach to understanding terrorist violence in this era? NOTE: you will want to consult the pieces by Bakunin and Necha

Axiomatic Foundations of Thermodynamics.

argumentative research paper, basing an original thesis on the course theme, The American Dream: Dead or Alive? and the long work we’re using for this course, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich. You must include at least (10) academic research sources cited in the research paper, following MLA guidelines including in-text citations within paragraphs and a separate Works Cited page. The American Dream: Dead or Alive?” Research Essay Topic, Instructions and Dated Assignments The Epic of America, published in 1933 by businessman and historian James Truslow Adams (1878 – 1949), attempted to address the historic development and philosophic vision of America. It was in this book that Adams coined the term “The American Dream” which he defined as, “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”* Written during the height of the Great Depression, Adams still felt confident enough in the opportunities inherent in the American way of life to espouse this “American Dream” vision of our society. But is it still true today? If yes, why? If not, why not? Taking into consideration the text we are reading for this semester, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich, think about the following questions: Can you attain the American Dream by simply working hard? Is college really necessary? And what then after college? Is the job market the same as it was for your parents or grandparents, or how has it changed? Does the government have a role in creating jobs in today’s economy, or should it stay out of the way so businesses could grow with less regulation? Does economic standing, gender, race, immigrant or non-immigrant status, or sexual orientation matter in achieving the American Dream? And in order to make that American Dream come true for yourself, is it more important to do what you love, or do what you can to make money? Consider the argument outlined in the required long work, Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich. TAKE A STAND Pro or Con on an Idea or Issue raised by the book and/or the course theme “The American Dream – Dead or Alive?” though a THESIS STATEMENT (argument). Outline the basic Idea or Issue the reading and theme addresses, compare/contrast the political, economic, social, and cultural climate, plight, and issues surrounding the topic involved. GO DEEP into the issue, proving your point though analysis backed up by Research. Include specific passages in the readings to support a reasoned argument or interpretation, as well as academic sources that support your main thesis. Tie all points together in a ‘conclusion’ statement that “proves” the thesis (argument). WORD ON FORMATTING: Please follow all MLA guidelines for formatting, but especially: no extra spaces between paragraphs, if using citation makers please proofread, and NO URLs in your Works Cited citations, as they just make your essay look sloppy. additional info: My stand on it is the american dream isn’t really real its made up if you can do it from that stance it’d be great

The American dream dead or alive.

analyze a current event ( any political event such as civilian protest or current presidential elections ), explain what you have observed in relation to the theory of social penetration mention in the text book. address the value and usefulness of the theory of social penetration. Analyze the theory in depth and reflect this theory to the event that you have chosen to discuss. the resource is the text book: A First Look At Communication Theory by Griffin,E

Social penetration theory.

Fiction Literary Analysis.

Assignment  Choose one of the five fairy tales in the Fairy Tale module. They are listed in the green text box above. Compare yourself to one of the fairy-tale characters in the fairy tale you choose. To compare means to tell how two things are similar.  Use examples such as pertinent quotations, events, characters’ actions, plot devices, and fairy tale elements from the fairy tale, your primary source, and events, actions, and elements from your own life as evidence to prove your thesis to the reader.  Find a credible secondary source that backs up your insight about the fairy tale character. A credible source is a journal article, a newspaper article, or a book. Not some website you Googled. Provide evidence from 1. “Briar Rose” 2. “The Story of the Three Bears” 3. “The Robber Bridegroom” 4. “Master Cat, or Puss in Boots” 5. “Rapunzel” the secondary source.

Step 1 Go to Module 3 of the Digital History Reader at http://www.dhr.history.vt.edu/modules/us/mod03_rev/index.html Step 2 Read the “Introduction” and “Context” Step 3 Read the selections from the “Evidence” section. Step 4 Select one of the following four groups of primary sources: · African Americans · Women · Poor white men · Non-Protestants Writing Assignment: Write a 2 to 3 page historical essay that discusses the various ways in which the American Revolution affected the lives of individuals within that group. Weighing the evidence, did the group benefit from the Revolution? Submit online and bring 2 copies to class on Wed. Oct. 21. This assignment closes at the start of class on Oct. 21. Please put your name on a cover sheet but do not put it on the other pages