Directions
You will choose one of the two prompts below and write a four page essay. Keep everything on the previous page in mind, including the following:
adhere to MLA formatting
write a full three pages (four is better)
include two more sources outside of our texts and videos
include embedded quotes
include a Works Cited page, you can look at this sample (Links to an external site.) for help
Prompts
Harari is a research historian. This is obvious in the way he writes the book from a historical and evolutionary biological point of view. In this week’s reading of Sapiens, Harari focuses on happiness. You may have been surprised to see that “love” was not really addressed as a factor of happiness, rather he focuses on the chemicals of the brain that bring about happiness when people are coupled.
Harari writes: “We thus live in an increasingly lonely world of unravelling communities and families” (382). Even the ancient myths on love you read show the obsession of romantic love; needing it, wanting it and not being able to live without it. When we consider that most people are able to choose their life partners for love rather than due to an arranged marriage, to what extent is Harari right (or wrong) about the world becoming increasingly lonely, and that communities and families are falling apart?
NOTE: this essay is NOT about Harari. Please do not summarize his work. This prompt is asking you to analyze the reasons for either arguing for or against his claims on loneliness and families.
Harari and “Pleasure and Pain: The Science of Love” talk much about oxytocin and other mood boosters that occur naturally in our bodies. In what ways does the information presented in both the text and the film de-mystify, change, disappoint, your view of romantic love? (Your opinion MUST be substantiated by evidence. This is a college essay, I am not looking for a response that sounds like a journal entry.) Does the idea of “Broken Heart Syndrome” contradict the research on these biochemicals that both the text and the film hold responsible for happy, love feelings? Explain in detail. (First person is ok for this essay in limits, but no second person ever.)
Rubric
Essay Rubric
Essay Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent Organization and Analysis, including chronology and logic in development
Is your evidence analyzed thoroughly and logically? Do you support the thesis? Do you have all the standard components of an essay (intro, bodies and conclusion) well developed?
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of examples
Are the number of examples appropriate, are they properly integrated, including built-in embedded quotes? Are they relevant and sufficient in number? Have you used the minimum sources outside of the movie and text?
25 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLanguage, Grammar and Mechanics
Do you possess an extended vocabulary, exhibit control of language, and authoritative tone? Do you have any spelling/punctuation errors? In other words, has this essay been edited and proofread? Have you avoided first/second persons?
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAssignment Parameters
Have you met the length requirement of the essay? Is there a Works Cited page and is it accurate in its format? Do all relevant components adhere to MLA (heading, citations, Works Cited)?
*Please note that for every page missing, there will be a point reduction in your grade, depending on the required length of the assignment
15 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
15 pts
Total Points: 100
