Eng 7
Spring 2012/Woodhams
Paper 1
“Charting the world of Maphead”
Choose one of the following topics:
1. Examine the culture of “mapheads”—what draws people like the all-time Jeopardy champion
Ken Jennings to be fascinated with maps? Consider the connections between trivia, geography,
travel and the imagination.
2. Write a response to the book so far addressing the question—“what purpose do maps
serve?” To paraphrase Ken Jennings, why would humans have to invent maps if they didn’t
exist already?
OR
3. Trace the evolution of maps as presented by Ken Jennings—and how they developed in
connection with human consciousness and our understanding of the world. How does GPS,
most people’s experience with a mapping system today, fit into this progression, and what does
its use say about the future of maps and our ability to navigate and orient ourselves?
Requirements: The essay needs a main idea or thesis that can be developed through several
paragraphs, each with a topic sentence and support or evidence for your thoughts. Use at least
4-6 pieces of direct evidence from MAPHEAD.
Format: titled, typed, minimum 4-6 pages double-spaced, 1000-1500 words, 11-12 pt
Please note: The work must be your own—any outside evidence must be cited using MLA
format (see plagiarism policy for this course). Please be aware that the analysis and discussion
here should be based on material we’ve discussed. Your response will draw on our reading so
far and the pool of knowledge we’ve developed in class.
NOTE: Paper topics will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, as I want to spread the topics
out over the class.
Due Dates:
Rough draft: Feb 8, minimum 2-3 pages,
Final draft due Feb 15