A 3-4 page essay with a works cited page that follows these parameters: A unifie

A 3-4 page essay with a works cited page that follows these parameters:
A unified paper is a paper in which the body paragraphs reflect clearly what was laid out in the introduction. A well-unified paper will “develop” the thesis in parts. This will be followed by a conclusion which reasserts the thesis, lays out the parts, ends with a nice question or quote. This is unity in writing.
A “coherent” paper contains topic sentences, transitional elements. A good writer builds bridges between parts of the essay [the body paragraphs] via strong topic sentences. Continue to remind the reader that you’re developing a specific thesis. This is coherence in writing.
A well developed paper is a paper with quotations, evidence, stats, whatever you need to support the thesis. A well-developed paper contains scholarship, research. In the language arts, this tends to be quotations from authors, critics. The paper has gravitas, weight. It is professional because it is based on research. This is development in writing.
Good grammar is good syntax. Sentences are comprised of words, phrases, and clauses. The presence of simple, compound and complex sentences [sentence variety] helps an essay. Watch for proper syntax [subject, verb, object] and know the parts of speech so that you use them correctly. See the modules on various grammar rules.
Good punctuation is represented by the proper use of commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes. Beware the comma splice error, the fragment, and the run on. Check on these in the modules. Diana Hacker Chapter 32 has information on the use of the comma. This is most important.
Choose one prompt from the following:
Martin Buber, I/Thou:
Martin Buber sets up a simple dichotomy in his 1923 essay entitled, I/Thou. One has two kinds of relationships with people: an “I/Thou” relationship or an “I/It” relationship. Each of these will have an effect both on “both” parties in the relationship. Explain.
What does Buber mean by the “two-fold” attitude of human beings? What are the two attitudes that he describes? How does each influence or perceptions and or attitudes?
Why does Buber argue that the “I” is different in the I/Thou relationship than it is in the I/It relationship. In this essay, you would focus on the effects on the “I” only [on you]. How can doing one or the other change a person’s life?
A central part of Buber’s argument is that “words, being spoken, bring about existence.” Is language this important? Give some examples in which language is harmful to a community/people. Or is this theory/argument false?
Why does Buber say that focusing on someone’s hair color, speech or goodness makes that person “cease to be a thou”? Does considering the various attributes of a person deny them their full humanity? What might it mean to know a whole person instead of a collection of various attributes?
Argue that Buber’s “I/Thou” essay is either primarily religious or primarily a secular work. In what was is this essay religious in nature? In what way is it secular [simply a study of ethics]?
Lady Murasaki Shikibu:
This conversation between Genji and his adopted daughter Tamazakura can be seen as divided into two parts: in the first part, Genji discusses writing as “sensitivity,” a great lie, a “marvelous exaggeration”—we’ll call that “style.” In the second part, he talks about the importance of details in writing. At one point he tells her, “You will always be speaking about things of this world” and ends with, “nothing is worthless.” Discuss these two parts in relation to academic writing. Is style important? Are details important?
Discuss “sensitivity” in writing. What do you think Shikibu means by this? It seems to mean what it says—details in writing make it rich and meaningful. Link it to details/scholarship. Why is “scholarship,” the search for evidence to back up your claim, your idea so important to academic writing? Do details matter? Why?
Discuss Shikibu’s chapter here [Chapter 19] as her developed understanding of the function of the artist as a creative person. This is a discussion of the importance of the novel, and in discussing this, Genji points out to his daughter the role of the artist in creation. For those of you who enjoy creative writing or simply want to discuss it, what is the responsibility of the artist as a creative person? Name three things [maybe sensitivity, style, and theme].
Discuss Shikibu’s understanding of falsehood and truth, why both are integral in the act of creation.
Why might Shikibu chosen to use the male prince Genji to advance her own argument?
What does Genji suggest is the value of fiction as compared to the value of history? For those of you interested in the study of history, this would be a very interesting paper idea.
Summarize Genji’s theory of why storytellers write. What forces compel the novelist or fiction writer to tell a story? Genji, for example, at one point argues, “There are moments when one wants to pass on to later generations the appearance and conditions of people living in the present…” Is this the reason? Are there others? Is it linked to good and bad? Is it perhaps about time, morality, and the re-crafting of reality itself?
The Buddha, from the Dhammapada:
Take any three of the Buddha’s ideas and write an essay on them. Pick three of your favorites. The trick of course is to link them all to one idea…
Write a paper on the Four Truths of Buddhism. What are they? What does each mean?
Write a paper on the “Eight Fold Path” in Buddhism. You might have to look it up further online or in a text. Either discuss all eight each in its own part or organize them in groups.
Write a brief description of the major doctrines of Buddhism using the selected passages from the Dhammapada here as your initial reference. Conduct additional research as necessary. This would make an interesting research paper…
Agree or disagree with the assertion that desire produces suffering. Use examples from your life to support your conclusions.
Compare the Buddha’s view of life with Martin Buber’s [or any other author you feel works].
Select three authors [a division/analysis paper] and discuss each author’s view of life, the best way to live.