Directions: How do these texts serve as an educational tool for the Greeks? Choose two texts and show
how these various works might serve to direct the Greeks in how they should behave religiously,
socially, and politically.
Texts you can use: Bacchae, The Medea, The Theogony, The Iliad
Note that you will have to draw in material from
multiple (choose only two) ancient texts that we have read. Remember that you will only use the texts
from class and your knowledge learned in class. There is no need for outside research.
The paper must be 2000 words
(approximately six double-spaced pages) in length. Make sure that all ancient textual material is
cited (parenthetical documentation is easiest).
The grading breakdown is listed below:
Language (15%): This category covers all basic aspects of your essay. Are there mistakes in
spelling, grammar, or punctuation? Do you use advanced levels of language and sentence
structure? A top score in this category is the easiest to achieve of the four categories. Make sure
to proofread your paper several times to ensure that no errors
remain and that your writing properly expresses your sentiments.
Structure (20%): This category evaluates the ways in which your paper is organized. Does your
paper set out your argumentation and analysis of the text in a well-defined fashion? Does your
paper flow properly, or is it jumpy and scattered? Do you use transitions between paragraphs to
maintain your argumentation? This category tests how easy your own thought processes are to
follow and how clearly that I can perceive your ideas. Key to a good grade here are a strong
introduction (which sets out your main points) and conclusion (which reminds the reader of your
arguments).
Primary source material (30%): This category evaluates your use of primary sources (i.e.
ancient texts) in proving your arguments. Because these papers do not require you to do heavy
research from secondary sources, your use of ancient texts is extremely important. Make sure to
cite any part of the text when you either are quoting or paraphrasing the main ideas. You can do
this through parenthetical documentation after the quotation (e.g. Iliad 1.143–145) or footnotes.
All of your major points and arguments should be backed up with primary source citations, and
each body paragraph of the paper should refer at least once to the ancient texts. Be sure,
however, to limit the number of times that you quote/paraphrase ancient texts, as you will want
to properly and thoroughly analyze each reference.
Analysis (35%): This final category is the most important, both for grading and for a good
essay. The main focus of the essay is the analysis of your own ideas on the material. Therefore,
you should limit the amount of basic biographical or historical information (using it only when
necessary to provide context for your own argumentation). Most of your body paragraphs should
be references to your own interpretation of the text (thus you should limit the amount of text that
you reference, so that you can analyze it thoroughly).
