1. Before writing, carefully read the instructions for this entire assignment.
2. Label and number the headings for each paragraph. (A1, A2, B, C1, C2, D1, D2)
A. Big Ideas
A1. Write a paper that identifies and explains one of the big ideas discussed by Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations.
a. Clearly state this big idea in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Explain Marcus Aurelius’ reasons for taking this position.
c. Explain why this idea is important to Marcus Aurelius.
A2. Write a second paragraph that identifies and explains a second big idea discussed by Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations.
a. Clearly state this second big idea in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Explain Marcus Aurelius’ reasons for taking this position.
c. Explain why this idea is important to Marcus Aurelius.
B. Primary Text
Select a specific passage from the text of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations that functions as a kind of “key” to understanding the whole of the Meditations. You may choose any passage you believe meets this criterion.
a. Type out, word for word, the text of your key passage in full.
b. Use quotation marks and supply a page number in parentheses.
C. Analysis of Primary Text
C1. Write a paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that identifies the main idea of the key passage you selected from the primary text.
a. Clearly state the main idea of your key passage in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Identify the reasons given in the passage in support of this main idea.
c. Include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
C2. Write a second paragraph that explains why, in your view, the selected passage is a “key” to understanding the whole of the Meditations.
a. Clearly state your reason for choosing this passage in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Explain how this key passage helps us to better understand the whole of the Meditations.
c. Connect your explanation to both of the “big ideas” identified in section A.
d. As needed, include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
D. Pop Culture Comparison
Find an example from pop culture—a scene from a movie or TV show, a song, a book, a commercial, a YouTube video, etc.—that touches on the same topic as your cited key passage. Avoid generalities and try to choose a particular scene from a show or a particular set of lines from a song. (For example, you might choose a scene from a movie or TV show where someone gets angry and then compare that scene to Marcus Aurelius’ advice about anger.)
D1. Write a paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that describes your example from pop culture. [10 points]
a. Clearly identify your pop culture example in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Describe the relevant details associated with your example. The more specific you can be, the better. Focus on details that will be useful for your comparison.
D2. Write a second paragraph that explains how your example is both similar to and different from what Marcus Aurelius says in your key passage.
a. Clearly identify the main point of overlap between your pop culture example and your key passage in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
b. Compare and contrast the details of the example with details from your key passage.
c. Include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
