answered: Prompts Write an essay of 800-1200 words in response to ONE

  

Prompts
Write an essay of 800-1200 words in response to ONE of the following prompts:
1.) One of the weaknesses of democratic political systems is their potential to become vulgar (from the Latin vulgus = the “rabble” or “mob”). In this course, we have studied several examples of this: the Mitylenian Debate (recounted by Thucydides); the execution of the generals at Arginusae (recounted by Xenophon); the execution of Socrates (recounted by Plato); the repeal of the Oppian Law (recounted by Livy); and the crisis surrounding Tiberius Gracchus (recounted by Plutarch). Choose at least two examples (one each from Rome and Athens) to analyze in depth. In these cases, why did the “mob” act the way it did? Was there any justification for its actions? Why (if at all) did these events threaten the constitutional order? What lesson(s) should we draw from these cases as we try to protect and improve our own democracy? Answer some of these questions with analysis of these primary sources and relevant information from the Textbook.
2.) In classical Rome and Athens, women made up a majority of the population yet had very few legal and political rights. This did not mean they were powerless, however. In this class we read two ancient writings featuring women: the comedic play Lysistrata by Aristophanes (fiction) and Livy’s account of the repeal of the Oppian Law (non-fiction). What do these accounts reveal about classical Greek and Roman attitudes toward women and their role in society? To what extent did these sources reinforce or break stereotypes about women? Answer these questions with analysis of these primary sources and relevant information from the Textbook.
Grading
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A : Essay is well written and well organized with only minor spelling and grammar errors. It demonstrates a strong command of the relevant course material, responds directly to the prompt, has a clear and compelling thesis, solid evidence in the form of well-chosen and appropriately cited quotations and specific references to the requested source(s), robust analysis, logical reasoning, and meets the target length.
B : Essay demonstrates a solid command of the relevant course material and responds to the prompt yet has at least one significant flaw in the quality of writing, organization, historical accuracy, logical reasoning, use of evidence, citations, or length.
C : Essay engages the course material yet falls short of responding to the prompt in a satisfactory way–for example, it might summarize the content of the primary source(s) and/or textbook without providing much analysis or original argument. It may have numerous major flaws while still demonstrating a minimal grasp of the relevant course material.
D : Essay demonstrates a weak command of the relevant course material and fails to address the prompt in a satisfactory way. It may be substantially below the target length or address a topic other than the required prompt; still, it has some potential.
F : Essay demonstrates virtually no command of the relevant course material and has few, if any, redeeming qualities. A submission that reflects the original work of the student and represents a good-faith attempt to complete the assignment may still be awarded up to 59% credit in accordance with the standard grading scale. Violations of academic integrity (e.g., plagiarism, cheating ,fabrication), exceedingly short essays, blank or unreadable documents, and, of course, no submissions will be given a 0.