RT201
Kloos
Paper 2: Analytical paper on Christianity or Judaism
Write a 3-4 page paper analyzing one of the following works:
 Jesus Before Christianity by Albert Nolan
 “The Crucified Peoples” by Jon Sobrino (on e-reserve)
 Bible readings (Luke 4-6 or Luke 22-24 or Genesis 1-2) (on course website)
 “I Asked for Wonder” by Abraham Joshua Heschel (on e-reserve)
 “Passover” (on e-reserve)
Due date: All essays are due at the beginning of class on Thurs, Nov 5. Late essays will be
downgraded, per the late work policy on the syllabus.
Thesis: Your thesis must show how you interpret the text: on what theme/s are you focusing?
What are you arguing?
It should be specific (not too broad), contestable (worth arguing about, not simply stating
the obvious), and supportable (can prove with evidence, is not merely an opinion).
Analysis: Remember, the purpose of the assignment is textual analysis: you should read the text
closely and critically, and you should demonstrate this by showing textual evidence (quotes,
paraphrases, or references) for your claims.
Use parenthetical citations in Chicago/Turabian or MLA style. Always follow quotations
with analysis that demonstrates how you interpret the text and how it supports your thesis.
Format
 3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, standard font size and margins
 Use Chicago/Turabian or MLA style for citations
 Number your pages and staple them, please
 Include a Works Cited page, using Chicago/Turabian or MLA style
Structure
 Have a clear thesis.
 Have a clear paragraph structure that develops and supports your thesis. Each
paragraph should have one main idea, and each paragraph should develop an aspect of
the thesis. Together, your argument should build from one paragraph to the next.
 In your introduction, establish a connection with the reader (say why they should care
about your topic) and say what you will argue in the paper.
 In your conclusion, recall what you have argued.
Grading criteria
 Clear, interpretative thesis statement (required for an A or A- grade)
 Insightful analysis of the text
 Paragraph structure that supports and develops what the thesis actually argues
 Clear grasp of the ideas of the text, demonstrated by use of quotations and citations to
show the evidence for your thesis
 Polished prose, without spelling errors or typos