Paper #1

Due: Thursday, February 8, 1996

Length: 3-4 pages

Topic

Religion may be both a tool and an obstacle for rulers in achieving their goals. Identify those aspects of religion that are most helpful to rulers, and those that are most problematic, supporting your analysis with examples from the three ancient cultures we have studied.

You are not expected to do any research beyond the course materials.

Some suggestions:

Specifically address the effect of religion on rulers' ability to achieve their goals.
Indicate which aspects of religion are most helpful and most problematic rather than simply discussing various effects of religion.
Reach an overall conclusion with respect to which aspects are most helpful/problematic.
The essay should form a coherent whole. The body of the paper should support the conclusion.
Support general statements with specific facts and citations.

Grading

Papers will be evaluated on the basis of coherence, clarity, accuracy, and originality. Grammatical English is an important component of clarity.

Need Help?

* If you need help in formulating your ideas or understanding the assignment, see Laurie at the end of class or leave a message in her box in Ward 216 (DJLS xerox room). You can also see Prof. Golash during office hours. * If you need help with your writing, go to the Writing Center, 102 McCabe, or call x2829.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is representing someone else's language or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited by the university and will result in disciplinary action. You must write your own paper. In your paper, identify all direct quotations with quotation marks and footnotes. Identify sources of information that you paraphrase with footnotes or in the text.