Here are the instructions for Essay #1, which will be due Sept. 24. This is in addition to the reading assignments listed on the course syllabus. These will be explained further in class tonight (Sept. 17).
Choose one of the following options. Your essay should be 2 to 3 typed, double-spaced pages long. The pages should be stapled together. At the top of your first page, include your name, my name, the name of the course (EN103) and the date you’re turning it in. The essay will be due at the start of class on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Option A: Preaching vs. Teaching
In his essay “Conspiracy Theories 101,” Stanley Fish argues that the principles of academic freedom do not grant teachers the right to try to convince students to adopt their personal opinions and beliefs. Do you agree, or disagree? Write an essay either supporting or disputing Fish’s general thesis, using at least one specific example of a topic on which a professor should or should not, in your opinion, espouse his personal beliefs.
You are welcome (but not required) to discuss the ideas brought up by Lewis Lapham in his essay “Time Lines” if you feel they are relevant to Fish’s argument or to yours.
Option B: The Same Old Story
In his essay “Time Lines,” Lewis Lapham acknowledges that teaching history as a series of stories (or narratives) is problematic, but it is better than not teaching history at all –- or teaching it in such a way that students won’t find it interesting and therefore valuable. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay either supporting or disputing Lapham’s position on this matter, using at least one specific example of a historical event, development or subject that either should or should not be taught in the form of narrative(s).
You are welcome (but not required) to discuss the ideas brought up by Stanley Fish in his essay “Conspiracy Theories 101” if you feel they are relevant to Lapham’s argument or to yours.
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