Term Paper Assignment
Paper Topic: In class, you studied Plato’s Ring of Gyges allegory and what Plato thinks it proves about human nature. Next, you will apply this to the modern-day issue of internet anonymity.
In this paper you will (1) introduce your topic and (2) give a brief overview of Plato’s Ring of Gyges allegory. Then, using the modern-day issue of internet anonymity, you will (3) explain why some authors argue that internet anonymity proves Plato is right and it must be eliminated. Next, you will (4) explain why other authors disagree and argue that internet anonymity must be maintained. Finally, you will (5) give your own personal position and defend your position.
Due Dates: For this assignment, you will complete a draft AND a final paper. Drafts and final papers must be uploaded via the course Blackboard site on the following dates:
Draft – no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024
Final Paper – no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024
Weight/Value: Overall, the paper assignment is worth 30% of your total course grade. The draft is worth 15% and final paper is worth 15%.
Process: After I receive your draft, I will provide feedback including both technical advice (grammar/style) and substantive comments. The earlier you submit your paper, the sooner you’ll receive feedback. After you receive feedback, you’ll make revisions and submit your final paper.
Basic Requirements: Your papers must follow these requirements.
Length: At least (minimum) 1,500 total words (approximately six (6) double-spaced pages plus title page and works cited page). Papers failing to meet this requirement will be heavily penalized. See attached Grading Rubric for more details.
Structure: Your papers must follow a specific structure, explained in more detail below.
Title page: Your paper must include a stand-alone title page (i.e., paper title, course name, semester and year, instructor name, student name, and date.) Do not number the title page.
Citations: A works cited page AND in-text citations are required. Additional resources and information about works cited pages and in-text citations is provided below.
You must use and cite Plato’s Republic. Specifically, you must use/cite the relevant passages related to the Ring of Gyges allegory.
You must use and cite at least (minimum two 2) of the internet anonymity articles provided. Specifically, you must use/cite at least one (1) for and at least one (1) against internet anonymity.
You may NOT use and cite the in-class lectures. Do not use/cite my lectures or
PowerPoint slides.
You may NOT use and cite any other sources, such as websites, videos, books, other articles, unless you get permission from me ahead of time.
Do not go overboard on quotations. If your paper uses excessive quotes, the quoted material will not count toward the minimum word requirement. The goal is for you to work through the ideas/arguments yourself and not merely copy what others have said.
If your paper fails to cite any sources, you will receive an automatic “F.”
