Departmental Final (Fall 2019)
INSTRUCTIONS: Write TWO essays of approximately 400-500 words each. You must choose one prompt for each group (Ideas and Arts & Culture). You will not be permitted to use any other resources. Remember to use examples to support your argument. This assignment is worth 10% of your final grade.
- Ideas (Choose one from the list of topics to develop your first essay.)
- Choose one period of the humanities (from Mesopotamia through the Italian Renaissance) with at least three (3) references to
architecture, sculpture, paintings, or literature and discuss what that period’s humanities reveals about the culture.
- Discuss how leaders (religious or secular) within at least three (3) periods of the humanities (from Mesopotamia through the Italian Renaissance) used art and/or architecture as a means to reflect power.
- Art and Culture (Choose one from the list of topics to develop your second essay.)
- For Aristotle, Oedipus the King was the supreme example of tragedy. Explain why Oedipus fits the model of tragic hero, and how his hamartia helps exacerbate his downfall.
- Choose two examples of sacred architecture to discuss the how the needs of the faithful are reflected in the forms of the architecture associated with their specific religion(s).
Tips on writing:
- Be sure your essay answers all of the questions in the prompt but not necessarily in the same order. Use your answers to the essay questions as a brainstorming session.
- Jot down the supporting evidence you want to include in the essay.
- Aim for clear, concise language. Don’t use vague or wordy sentences.
- Avoid words you don’t know, even if they sound intelligent. The goal is to make sure readers will understand you.
- Relate every bit of support back to your thesis.
- Write neatly and legibly. Skip lines.
- Revise it. Save the last 7-10 minutes to read through your answers, making sure you didn’t omit a word or use unclear phrasing.
