Utopia

Choose a document from the below list and write a double-spaced 3-4 page essay in which you analyze it. If you prefer to choose a different primary source (document, painting, song, etc.) please make sure it relates to one of the themes discussed in class. If you pick your own source then run it by me first before you begin writing. Keep the following questions in mind as you work on your essay. Make sure you frame your essay around a main point or “THESIS.” 1) Who is the author or creator of this source, when and where did it first appear? 2) What type of document is it (an official government document, a personal letter, poem, story, etc.)? 3) What are the main arguments or issues presented in the source? 4) Why was the source created (was the author(s) trying to persuade someone, voicing a grievance, establishing a law, etc.)? 5) What does this source reveal about the particular society and period that produced it (particular attitudes and beliefs at the time)? This is an essay assignment, so your paper should not be an outline or in a “question and answer” format. Try to develop a specific argument or theme you wish to address concerning your chosen text. Although your essay will rely primarily on your chosen source, use your knowledge of the lectures, textbook and other readings to interpret the context of the source. Be sure to support your main points or arguments with specific references to the document. Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks. Always supply a page number and the author’s name for a direct quotation in parentheses whenever possible. At the end of your essay you should give bibliographical data for the document (or other sources) you have used: author, full title, place and date of publication. Please take every care to avoid plagiarizing and make sure you properly cite any information. I will be using plagiarism-screening software when I review your papers. Make sure you underline or italicize titles of books, plays, films, periodicals, and pamphlets. You should also italicize or underline foreign terms. Avoid using abbreviations, contractions or slang.