Write an essay of 1000 to 1500 words in response to one of the following three prompts:
1. MARX
We watched two films about miners strikes; one a documentary (Harlan County, USA) and the historical fiction (Salt of the Earth). A century before these strikes, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote about class conflict between workers (the proletariat) and the companies (the bourgeoise). Use these films to discuss illustrate ideas laid out in the Communist Manifesto or, alternatively, use the Manifesto to discuss the films. Be sure to engage the Manifesto directly, discussing passages that you quote directly. You may choose to choose one passage or idea from the Manifesto to discuss in depth with reference to the films, or you may use the films to show example of multiple ideas presented in the Manifesto.
2. FREUD
You have read two works that approach the subject of dreaming, one by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, and another by the science fiction writer Octavia Butler. I would like you to discuss these two texts together setting them in conversation with one another. You may do this however you like, but I offer you the two following prompts:
Sigmund Freud and Octavia Butler are both alive and well and meet for coffee to discuss the other’s writing. Write a dialogue between the two of them discussing their respective ideas about dreams.
How does “Martha’s Book” by Octavia Butler align with or depart from the theory of dreams laid out in the essay we read by Sigmund Freud?
Whichever route you choose, be sure to quote specific passages of Freud and Butler in your paper.
3. FREEDOM
The anthropologist David Graeber proposes “the freedom principle” writing in his essay, “What’s the point if we can’t have fun?”:
“Let us imagine a principle. Call it a principle of freedom—or, since Latinate constructions tend to carry more weight in such matters, call it a principle of ludic freedom. Let us imagine it to hold that the free exercise of an entity’s most complex powers or capacities will, under certain circumstances at least, tend to become an end in itself.”
What does he use this principle to explain in his essay? Consider some of the implications of this principle and, in your discussion, make reference to one or two other texts from our reading (whether a reading, a film, or music) where the issue of freedom emerges (For example: Marx and The Matrix; Plato and Freud; Anzaldua and Salt of the Earth). If you make reference to only one other work, make sure that it is a thorough engagement.
Grading Rubric:
A
(90-100%)
This essay
…is thorough and explains the complexity of the central theme or problem.
…substantively integrates concepts from course readings with citation.
…successfully develops dialogue across texts (multiple authors are engaged)
….is well written (well organized, follows a logical progression, no typos).
…is creative, thoughtful, and insightful.
B
(80-89%)
This essay
…provides a basic account of the central theme or problem.
…mentions concepts from texts with citation.
…is well written (well organized, follows a logical progression, some typos).
C
(70-79%)
This essay
…is incomplete, inaccurate, or superficial.
…superficial or little engagement with course readings.
…is poorly written (unorganized, has many typos).
D
(<69%)
This essay
…is incomplete or inaccurate.
…shows no engagement with course readings.
…is poorly written (unorganized with many typos).
