Study Guide for Preparing the Essay

An essay is meant to be an exercise in making connections and developing analysis. This in-class exercise emphasizes content and ideas rather than style and grammar.

The first thing to do is understand the question. You are asked to answer the question, not simply an provide an essay on the topic. The question asks you to complete a specific task that can be accomplished in about 25 minutes (if you are prepared in advance).

Question: Using the stories of David and Socrates, explain one important similarity and one important difference between the Hebrew religious revolution and the Greek intellectual revolution. When you discuss the stories of David and Socrates, describe at least two important similarities and differences with respect to their lives, ideals and fate.

The entire question is summed up in the first sentence. The second sentences gives you additional parameters to meet in completing your answer. As you can see, the question does not dictate the structure of the essay. Logically, the answers to the second part of the question will come first. The question does not specifically dictate the content of the essay either. There is a great deal of leeway and choice in crafting your answer.

To answer the question, you will use knowledge gained from the readings and from the lectures. NO INTERNET or other additional research is permitted. The point of this exercise is to assemble a reasoned argument, not accumulate layers of information.

The essay will be graded on thoroughness, clarity and insight.

Thoroughness: do you make use of the relevant facts and ideas at your disposal?

Clarity: do you express your ideas in a clear and orderly manner?

Insight: does the essay demonstrate understanding of the historical figures and the larger themes involved?

The essay is worth 30 points; ten points for each of the categories listed above.

A few of the best submissions will be transcribed (without names) and made available to all students so they can see examples of good essay writing. If you have any objection to having your essay anonymously reproduced, let me know by email.