Writing assignments

Class syllabus                                        Schedule of Assignments

 
Classical Studies 135: Origins of Literate Culture William A. Johnson Writing Assignment #1: due Wednesday Jan. 26 Topic: The alphabet. For this assignment, you should digest from your readings and our discussions what we know of how the Greek alphabet came to be, and how it differs or does not from earlier scripts, and why that may matter. The exact way you tell the story — in how much detail, with how much emphasis on the typologies of scripts or the centrality of the Semitic precursor to the alphabet or the differences in the stories we have gotten from Powell and Olson — is up to you. You may do additional research if you like, but that is not required and should not be necessary (and if you do, be careful! — there is a lot of misinformation). Wherever possible, you should indicate what evidence we have and whether that evidence makes a particular scenario certain, very probable, or only likely. It is fine to concentrate on one or two aspects. The best result will be a short essay that tells a story and tells it succinctly, accurately, and interestingly. (It may be helpful for you to imagine that you are writing a script for a particularly good episode on the History or Discovery channel.) This is meant to be a straightforward assignment, a means for you to register with me your ability to digest information, organize it, and recast it in an interesting and intelligent way. Be careful in the structure and writing of your essay. Length: Aim for 2-3 pages. (I doubt you can do a responsible job of this in less than 2 pages.) If you go over 5 pages, you may lose your audience.