PAPER TOPICS

For the topics listed below, answer the question with close analyis of the primary source text (or texts).

There is no one answer, much less a single right answer, to the question. However, papers must address directly the question assigned; it is not appropriate for your paper to talk about some other aspect of the text or issue noted in the question.

Your paper should have a clear thesis and a logically organized argument, supported by specific evidence and citations from the text. No outside research is expected or desireable.

Papers will be evaluated according to how well the student has formulated and argued his or her thesis. A well formulated and proven thesis is invariably a well-written one: style will not be evaluated separately from content. More detailed guidelines about grading standards and writing papers are available here.

Papers should be 3-4 pages long, double-spaced, printed in 12-pt font, with 1” margins. Citations from the text may consist simpy of page numbers in parentheses.

Late papers will be penalized; papers more than one week late will not be accepted.

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Paper #1 Due Oct. 19

How does Augustine’s experience as a reader influence his rhetorical decisions as a writer?

Paper #2 Due Nov. 13

Judging by the Burgundian Code and by Gregory of Tours’s History, what was the status of women in fifth- and sixth-century society?

Paper #3 Due Dec. 1

Compare and contrast Charlemagne, as portrayed in Einhard's Life, with Alfred, as described by Asser.  How were their characters, accomplishments, and societies similar? What explains their differences?