For this assignment, you will evaluate characters from Gilgamesh, The Ramayana, and The Odyssey and then write an essay with a minimum of 1000 words (see specific topic below), arguing for and supporting your conclusions. This assignment will build your writing, analytical, and evaluative skills.
You may be able to further develop ideas from your work already submitted in our discussions. However, be careful you do not plagiarize your classmates' submissions. You are encouraged to use the material in the course to further develop your own original interpretations and arguments; researching other secondary sources is not required for this assignment, and plagiarism of other sources will not be tolerated. If you use sources beyond the primary texts (the epics), be sure to include citations for those secondary sources along with your citations for the epics. Both MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page are required for this assignment.
Skills to Acquire
This assignment will help you master important skills necessary to performing writing tasks in college and engaging with ideas and values that are foundational to a well-rounded university education. Two of these skills are to:
- LO1: Analyze themes and ideas pertinent to World Literature from ancient times through the early-modern period.
- LO2: Demonstrate the ability to compare, contrast and understand diverse literary texts, authors, and genres.
Topic
The place you currently work (or volunteer) is hiring. It’s a great fit for you; your skills and knowledge are developing, you like the people, and the salary is solid. One day, your boss tells you that the organization is expanding and that there is a bonus of five thousand dollars for any employee who personally recommends someone who applies, interviews, is hired, and stays at least a year. You understand that the right recommendation would work out wonderfully, but you are concerned about maintaining your strong professional reputation and good name.
In this essay, clearly identify four characters you would consider recommending and explain why each one was selected. The four candidates will be chosen from characters found in the first three epics we have read: Gilgamesh, The Ramayana, and The Odyssey. Choose at least one character from each epic. Any character in these epics may be chosen, not just the main characters. Consider each character's strengths and weaknesses as individuals and as members of a team. Finally, in the conclusion, indicate which character you believe to be the strongest candidate and who you would recommend. Note: Support your arguments with evidence from the texts (including quotations).
Task
Write an essay of seven to nine paragraphs presenting your argument. Include quotations from the texts as well as additional details that illustrate and enhance the points you are making. Use the following as an outline of what to include:
- Your first paragraph should be an engaging introduction. Set up your project and state the qualities you are looking for.
- Structure your essay as you choose, but the writing should be organized. Perhaps focus on one character at a time, or focus on one desirable virtue or trait at a time.
- Give specific examples and quotes from the texts to support your analyses. Use in-text citations in MLA format for the quotations, and be sure to include page numbers from the texts included in this course.
- The last paragraph should be a conclusion. Indicate which candidate you believe to be the current frontrunner.
- Your final page should be your Works Cited page, in MLA format. It should include the three literary texts (our epics), as well as any content pages from the course material to which you may have referred. If you use any secondary sources, be sure to cite them as well!
Don't forget to review the guidelines for How to Succeed in the Written Assignments and the Sample paper in MLA format. Make sure you save time to submit your draft to Tutor.com via the free Tutoring Services link for helpful feedback before the due date. All writing assignments have Turnitin enabled for plagiarism detection.
You'll be graded on your ability to analyze and evaluate your topic thoughtfully through your writing, as well as on your language, organization, and MLA formatting. Familiarize yourself with the criteria below, and be sure to review the rubric for this assignment.
This activity may use a different grading rubric than what was used in past activities. Be sure to check the grading rubric before starting.
File submissions: Please submit your file as a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF file.
Grading Criteria
- Your selection of passages to support your argument is thoughtful
- Your analysis is specific and original
- Your essay responds clearly, specifically, and appropriately to the prompt
- Your writing is clear and well-organized
- Your in-text citations, with page numbers, and Works Cited are correctly formatted in MLA style
Note: This activity may use a different grading rubric than what was used in past activities. Be sure to check the Unit 3 Essay Rubric before starting.