ESSAY II
3-4 pages (750 word minimum) typed and double-spaced
50 points possible (10% of semester grade)
Final Draft Due in class on October 16, 2002 or by 4:00 p.m.  in Academy 304 on October 17, 2002

Assignment:  Write a well-organized, unified, and developed multi-paragraph essay analyzing and evaluating one specific concept or theme in Augustine's Confessions. 

First pick one concept or theme developed in Augustine that interests you such as (the list is not meant to be exhaustive):

• uti/frui (use vs. enjoy)
• the origins and substance and power of evil
• confession
• conversion
• mind and memory
• time and eternity
• friendship
• relation of self and God
• rest
• prodigal son
• weight/lightness

Then develop your analysis by pinpointing key passages in the text and explaining also in your own words the meaning and significance of the concept or theme in Augustine's thinking and life. 

Finally, evaluate Augustine's stance on the subject by explaining whether and how and why you agree or disagree with Augustine. Discuss whether and how you find his inquiry on the subject convincing and compelling.

Be sure your thesis statement (the one main point you want to get across to your reader) incorporates both the analytical as well as the evaluative emphases of your paper (although you may find it appropriate to subordinate the evaluation to the analysis in your these). Your thesis statement should appear already somewhere on the first page of your essay in order to guide your reader through your analysis and toward your evaluation. An example of a thesis statement--though one that still could use a little work--on the power of evil might go something like this:

Even though I have always imagined evil to have substantial power on its own, Augustine's inquiry into the fundamental goodness of God's creation and the power of God's goodness to turn us away from evil have convinced me that the devil's promises are indeed empty and even without substance.

Comparative Option: For an additional challenge, you may wish to compare Augustine's position on one concept or theme such as those above with one other thinker or artist we have studied this semester. In this case, build your comparison into your analysis and evaluate both positions. Your thesis should pull together the analysis, comparison, and the evaluation in this case. This option will work better with some topics than with others. 

For tips on final paper layout see The Easy Access Handbook 41-44.

Evaluation Criteria:       

Primary Criteria

• Does your essay provide a clear and insightful analysis of Augustine's work? 

• Does the essay provide a thoughtful and informed evaluation of Augustine's ideas?

Secondary Criteria

• How unified is the essay?  Does it stick to one topic or does it jump from topic to topic, skipping across the surface and obstructing deep insight?  Does the thesis statement unify the paper?

• Does the essay carry out an effective and appropriate pattern of organization?  Is the essay organized into well-developed paragraphs?

• How creative or original is the approach?  How much personality (or “voice”) is apparent in the writing?

• Is the evidence cited and documented effectively in MLA style?