IDST
2305 ~ In Quest of the Heroic
Journal
Essay Assignments
Magoulick
You are free to discuss assignments with each
other, but you should not use outside sources or the internet. Ultimately what
you submit must be your own work. You need not use texts is most cases, but if
you do, reference all ideas you borrow or quotations with proper citation
format, as seen here: http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/QuoLiterature.html
or here: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/mla_style.shtml
Compose your answers yourself and be sure to
include what you think; but make sure you also show how what you think is
consistent with concepts and readings from class. Feel free to use the word
"I.@ Be aware of what we said in class and go back to the texts and
handouts to think these things through for yourself.
Typically the assignment asks you to think
through one of the concepts just recently considered in readings and lectures in
class. To complete the assignment, you need to write, in a focused, thoughtful,
and relevant way ON THE TOPIC. Try to use specific examples to help make your
point. Don=t just write in generalization. Show how the concept applies to
characters from history, literature, art, music, film, or television. It is
possible to base your answer on one or a few specific places in a relevant text
(quotes that you think address the issue) and do close textual analysis. This
means to work with actual quotations from our texts to prove your main point(s).
Films or television shows may also be quoted directly. USE BRIEF QUOTES and
analyze them thoroughly. QUOTE DO NOT COUNT AS PART OF THE 200 word requirement.
REMEMBER that your interpretation of a specific
passage OR concept must be consistent with an overall interpretation of the text
or ideas/concepts from class. In other words, if a quotation is taken out of
context and analyzed without being clearly connected to the rest of the text and
its main messages, it is not a very strong interpretation. Similarly, if an idea
is taken from class and discussed completely out of the context of the class B
it will be a weak discussion. Analyze (or interpret) each idea or quotation
thoroughly. What does the concept or idea mean, how is it used in class, what
are its implications, what are some (or one) examples?
Be sure to number your pages and reference all quotations B if used (with
proper citations).
I encourage the use of gender inclusive language.
Proven cases of plagiarism will result in an F in
the course.
Each journal essay should be at least 200 words.
Please include a word count.
These essay journals should not be summaries (of
ideas from class or readings) nor informational essays, but rather an
interpretive, thoughtful, engaged, focused discussions of topic in terms of how
we have discussed them in class and examples that could apply either from class
or outside. You may use examples from anywhere, but the concepts should be based
on class.
TOPIC
1 - What is a hero? Based on early ideas presented in class and in readings,
discuss the concept of a hero. You may discuss heroes seen thus far in class or
others from outside sources. Be specific.
TOPIC
2 - Christ as hero. How does Christ measure up to most concepts of what a hero
is? Be specific B give details. ALTERNATE TOPIC B Write your own creative
account (poem or story form) of a hero whom you create/imagine. This hero must
fit the concepts and guidelines from class of what a hero is and be your
creation.
TOPIC
3 - Who is the greatest western hero? From the literature we have read,
considered or heard about thus far, who best matches the characteristics of
heroism? Make sure you explain WHY you consider this hero the best. Do not use a
source from politics or sports or others outside of literature. You may discuss
someone besides those we have read about IF that person is a literary (or film
or TV) figure who matches our characteristics.
TOPIC
4 - Comparing and contrasting other cultures= heroes. Are heroes from India,
China, or Central America much different from Western heroes? What are the
similarities & differences? Use specific heroes to make your case.
TOPIC
5 - How does the anti-hero challenge our notion of the heroic? Is this a good
thing? How so? Can you think of other anti-heroes in our own world? How do they
function? Is an anti-hero every necessary or helpful? How so?
TOPIC
6 - How does gender influence heroism? Is there a different quality to female
heroes? What does heroism mean for women? Do women heroes face additional
challenges? Who are some important female heroes? What make them heroic (in
terms of class)?