Essay prompt: What is Monroe’s argument in “Can Food be Art?” Do you agree/disagree with it?
Essay #1 is due Monday, October 25. Approximately 2,000 words (6 pages’ish). Typed, double-spaced.
Choose one topic. Explain what the author says (~4 pages) then assess what the author says (~2 pages). For each topic, feel free to refer to Kaplan and/or Plakias.
The aim of the paper is to summarize what the author says and to analyze what the author says.
Both explain the main points of the reading in plain and simple language and give your reasoned opinion on the author or topic. Your explanation and analysis are two parts of one, complete paper. (Don’t break it up into two sections.)
Devote 50% to explanation, 50% to analysis – half and half.
Start with a one-paragraph introduction. Briefly explain what you will discuss and what your opinion will be about the subject matter. Avoid really sweeping generalizations about beginning of time, or what all philosophers have always debated. Stick to your specific topic.
For the explanation, simply explain what the reading is about. Summarize it, condense it, tell your reader what it says. It’s like a Wiki entry. Try to be as neutral and objective as possible.
For the analysis, simply express opinion, for example, if you agree, disagree, or somewhat agree and offer reasons why; or compare and contrast the reading with something else.
Analyze it, dissect it, comment on it, evaluate it, criticize it, praise it, find fault with it, say what you think the author could have done different to make it better, explain how the author is right for reasons even he or she did not perceive, etc.
Your analysis should add something new to paper – new insights, new information, new ideas. If you agree with the author, be sure to say more than simply that you agree. (It’s actually easier to write a paper where you disagree with the author!
Be respectful, and never trash an author! But try to add some perspective on the reading. “The author is right because x, y, and z.” “The author is partially right but partially wrong.” “The author’s position cannot explain such-and-such.”)
Your opinion should be an analysis about the subject matter of the reading, not on the author’s style of write. For example, don’t tell me how boring or confusing it was to read. Instead tell me what you think about the ideas, the arguments, and what your opinion on the point of the reading is.
Take the analysis part of the paper very seriously.The difference between an A and B paper is usually in the quality of written opinion.
