Professor Fleming
L101: Western World Masterpieces I
Spring 2009 First Essay
also at http://users.ipfw.edu/flemingd/L101s09.html
From the very basic prompts below, craft a thesis statement—a concrete argument—which you will
defend throughout the paper. Your thesis statement is due in class Tuesday, Feb 24. Failure to submit a
thesis statement on this day will result in a failing grade for the essay.
Then write a polished 2–3 page double-spaced essay in a 12-pt font. This is due in class Thurs, March 5
(n.b.: this is the same day as our midterm, so you might not want to put it off until the last minute)
All papers must have
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A clear thesis statement / introductory paragraph which fully outlines what exactly your paper will
cover
Clearly organized body paragraphs which support your thesis
Abundant textual evidence
o This is the number one priority in a paper like this: prove to me that you have read the
texts very carefully and understood the author’s language
No outside resources are required. If you wish to use any secondary resources for your paper, you must
obtain written/email permission from me before you hand in your paper. Failure to do so will result in a
failing grade for the assignment.
Your audience is me and other members of the class. As a result, don’t spend too much time on summary.
Assume we’ve read the texts, and are familiar with the same basic information. Summarize aspects of the
larger story which are essential to your argument. DON’T tell me stories: that’s Homer’s job. Your job is to
make an argument about Homer (or Sophocles, or Aristophanes)
Extra credit: visit the IPFW Writing Center before handing your paper in, and receive 5% bonus on you
essay grade (visit http://www.ipfw.edu/casa/writing/ to set up an appointment)
Prompts:
(you are also free to develop you own prompt, but you must CHECK WITH ME before you submit your
thesis statement)
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Compare Achilles with Hector; compare Achilles with Odysseus.
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Compare the presentation of women in Antigone and Lysistrata.
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Consider whether a text like Antigone or Lysistrata would be a more effective way of criticizing the
politics of a government.
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Consider the role of women in the Iliad or the Odyssey. Or, compare the role of women (or
particular woman, such as Penelope and Andromache) in the Iliad with that in the Odyssey.