Harry Potter & Philosophy
Wizarding & Widsom
Winter/Spring 2008
7-10 pages
due date:
Wednesday, 30 April 2008(or at least no later than Friday, 2 May 2008)
description of assignment:
This final essay is a 7-10 page argumentative essay, proposing a philosophical thesis in relation to the content of the Harry Potter series, developing and arguing for that thesis, and answering objections to that thesis. The essay should interact with secondary literature, either from our readings in class or that you research on your own.That's to say, you need to develop an argument in favor of some kind of philosophical idea (e.g., the nature of meaning, personal identity over time, the ethics of technology, the cultivation of virtue, the dynamics of race) that you see proposed, illustrated, and/or advanced within the Harry Potter series. You'll need to explain what this idea is, what your own perspective is with regard to it, and your reasons for viewing it as you do.
Drawing upon the narrative structure, literary devices, character development, or some other aspect of the Harry Potter series, you will need to develop and argue for your philosophical perspective. You should also give critical attention to views that are at variance with you own and answer any objections such views might raise.
Finally, you should engage with some selection of secondary literature on Harry Potter, at least two or three different articles or essays. While you may of course draw upon items we have read in class feel free to also engage in some research. There are a growing number of books and articles available in our library, in journals, and online concerning aspects of the Harry Potter series.
help with writing
Writing is often best undertaken with the help of others. This is true as much for experienced and published authors as it is for less mature writers. In light of that, the Sheekey Writing Center is located in Olney 203 where tutors are available, free of charge, to help students expand their skills and sharpen their strengths.The tutors welcome work from all disciplines and across all grade levels, including graduate, and deal with papers in all stages of development, including idea development. The Center also provides information on research and documentation styles as well as study skills. While the Writing Center does not operate as a proofreading service, tutors there can assist you in the editing and proofreading process to help build the skills necessary to accomplish these tasks.
In terms of developing content, feel free to come talk to me, to discuss your paper topics with your classmates, to even to make us of some of the online discussion forums related to Harry Potter. Ideas are often best developed in collaboration and discussion with others.
criteria for evaluation:
The following kinds of criteria will be used in evaluating and grading your essay.- Do you clearly and carefully state your thesis?
- Do you provide adequate reasons, argumentation, and/or examples to back up your stated thesis?
- Do you engage with the Harry Potter series in a way that indicates you've developed a coherent, creative, and insightful reading of the texts?
- Does it make proper use of citations, quoting material accurately, in a proper form, and only when helpful and relevant?
- Do you go on to interact with two or three other texts or perspectives in relationship to the thesis you are arguing for?
- When interacting with other philosophers, texts, and arguments, do you capture what they argue and give it a fair interpretation?
- Do you make proper use of citations, quoting material accurately, in a proper form, and only when helpful and relevant?
- Is there evidence that effort was put into writing the essay in terms of adequately meeting requirements, clarity, and technical care (e.g., avoiding spelling and grammatical errors)?
- Does the essay show that you understand the issue being addressed and its various assumptions and implications?
- Are any disagreements clearly presented and insightfully backed up with argumentation, examples, and evidence?
- Are agreements cogently justified by careful understanding and evaluation of the position?
- Are both sides given due consideration, providing a balanced and fair argument?
- Are your summary, arguments, and position organized clearly and in a logical way?
In order to get an "A" on this essay, you will have to do well in all of these areas.