Montaigne
HIST 3922/ASU
The Western Tradition
Instructor: Behrent
Spring 2013
Paper 1:
Ancient Philosophy, Montaigne, and Pascal
Topic:
1. Imagine an exchange of letters between Montaigne and yourself, Pascal and yourself, or Pascal and Montaigne. Try to give the exchange some kind of topic or theme (though it can be loose). Be sure to use quotes from the class reading to support and illustrate point made in this exchange.
2. Write an essay “by” Montaigne—or an essay in the style of Montaigne—on a contemporary topic (i.e., a topic that is obviously pertinent to modern society). Work in some quotes from Montaigne’s actual writings. Use this an opportunity to think about: what is distinctive about Montaigne’s style? What is distinctive about Montaigne’s philosophy? To what extent is he a product of his time?
3. Which school or figure of ancient philosophy is Montaigne—or, alternatively, Pascal—closest to? Your essay should have a clear thesis and identify several reasons in support of your position, drawing from both Montaigne/Pascal and the relevant school of ancient thought.
Format and Style
• Your paper should be approximately 5 typed, double-spaced pages, written in full sentences. • Relevant papers should have a thesis statement appearing in the introduction. Read sections 4c and 4d in Rampolla’s Pocket Guide to Writing History and use it in writing your paper (I can make copies available if you do not own the book). • Give your paper a title. • Include a “Works Cited.” • Use standard footnoting format when quoting texts (see Rampolla) • Rely only on assigned texts and lecture notes; additional sources are not needed.
Due Date
The paper is due by 5 PM on Friday, September 20.
Please read carefully the “Policy on Late Assignments” and the “Statement on Academic Integrity” included in the course syllabus before writing your assignment.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MEET
The Western Tradition
Instructor: Behrent
Spring 2013
Paper 1:
Ancient Philosophy, Montaigne, and Pascal
Topic:
1. Imagine an exchange of letters between Montaigne and yourself, Pascal and yourself, or Pascal and Montaigne. Try to give the exchange some kind of topic or theme (though it can be loose). Be sure to use quotes from the class reading to support and illustrate point made in this exchange.
2. Write an essay “by” Montaigne—or an essay in the style of Montaigne—on a contemporary topic (i.e., a topic that is obviously pertinent to modern society). Work in some quotes from Montaigne’s actual writings. Use this an opportunity to think about: what is distinctive about Montaigne’s style? What is distinctive about Montaigne’s philosophy? To what extent is he a product of his time?
3. Which school or figure of ancient philosophy is Montaigne—or, alternatively, Pascal—closest to? Your essay should have a clear thesis and identify several reasons in support of your position, drawing from both Montaigne/Pascal and the relevant school of ancient thought.
Format and Style
• Your paper should be approximately 5 typed, double-spaced pages, written in full sentences. • Relevant papers should have a thesis statement appearing in the introduction. Read sections 4c and 4d in Rampolla’s Pocket Guide to Writing History and use it in writing your paper (I can make copies available if you do not own the book). • Give your paper a title. • Include a “Works Cited.” • Use standard footnoting format when quoting texts (see Rampolla) • Rely only on assigned texts and lecture notes; additional sources are not needed.
Due Date
The paper is due by 5 PM on Friday, September 20.
Please read carefully the “Policy on Late Assignments” and the “Statement on Academic Integrity” included in the course syllabus before writing your assignment.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MEET
Cited: ” • Use standard footnoting format when quoting texts (see Rampolla) • Rely only on assigned texts and lecture notes; additional sources are not needed. Due Date The paper is due by 5 PM on Friday, September 20. Please read carefully the “Policy on Late Assignments” and the “Statement on Academic Integrity” included in the course syllabus before writing your assignment. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MEET WITH ME OR TO EMAIL ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS YOUR TOPIC!!