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Due Date: Monday, 18 October 2010
Your thesis must not attempt to argue the obvious. For example, it would be pointless to argue, "The Iliad demonstrates Homer's belief in divine intervention in human affairs." Although it is apparent that Homer did believe in divine intervention, this is an appearance that should be obvious to any casual reader of Homer. Thus, it requires no argumentation. As a general rule, when choosing your thesis, avoid that argument in regard to which you cannot imagine an informed audience disagreeing. Rather, select an argument that demands explication, one that you know you will have to defend against objections. A more intriguing argument would be, "The Iliad invites demythologization, and so suggests that the poet did not truly believe in the myths which he employed as literary devices." Such a thesis is satisfactory in that it meets the criteria of demanding a sustained defence or argument and in that it holds out the promise to the reader of a better understanding of Homer. Although not mandatory, I encourage you to make an appointment with me to discuss your thesis at your earliest convenience. Two weeks before this essay is due you will be required to present your thesis, along with at least two supporting arguments (including textual citations), in a brief synopsis of 100-200 words. This will be presented on the online Discussion Board, on or before Wednesday, September 29, for the consideration and response of your classmates. You will also be required to respond critically, expressing reasoned agreement or disagreement, to two of your classmates' theses and argument synopses. Both of these responses must be posted on or before Wednesday, October 6. Your participation in this forum is equivalent to participation in a rough draft workshop, and failure to participate will lower your final essay grade up to one full letter (e.g., from an A to a B). Presentations of theses and argument synopses, as well as critical responses, should be posted within the forum "Essay on Homer Arguments" (a sub-forum of "Homer"), which is accessible only by password. The password will be provided to you during class. |
This assignment asks you to argue a thesis about Homer's Iliad. A thesis is a claim that requires substantiation through sustained argument. The thesis that you choose for this assignment will allow you to explicate some aspect of the Iliad—that is, it will necessitate that you elaborate upon, explain, or clarify something that you have observed about the Iliad. Your thesis and the argument you use to support it should demonstrate that you have given critical thought to the text. For example, you might argue, "The Iliad is about humanity's tragically hopeless struggle to prevail over the uncontrollable and chaotic forces that ultimately determine our destiny." Such a thesis not only requires supporting reasons, but it promises an explication of the Iliad; that is, it suggests a better understanding of Homer. Another possible thesis is, "Above all other Homeric characters, Helen emerges as the true hero." Again, such a thesis demands argumentation and suggests to the reader (whether rightly or wrongly—which is here entirely beside the point) a better understanding of our Homeric text.