Keeping in mind our in-class readings and discussion, compose a 5-7 page essay
that explores a theory of dreams or divination. For a model, you should follow the basic
requirements for a classical argument as discussed in class. You may pick one of the
following options as the general topic of your paper:
- Psychologist Carl Jung asserts that the symbols contained in dreams and myths are
the result of the projection onto the external world of "archetypes" contained
in the "collective unconscious" of all human beings. Critics argue, however,
that the concept of the collective unconscious is not scientifically grounded
because it is not empirically testable in any meaningful way. In short, it is
not scientific at all, but pseudoscientific. Write an essay in which you support
or refute Jung's theory of the collective unconscious.
Difficulty level: hard.
- In his attempt to understand the unconscious mind, Jung extends Sigmund Freud's
interpretations of the meaning of dreams. Write an essay in which you contrast
Freud's ideas with Jung's theories. Which approach to interpreting dreams do
you find more useful? Why? Begin your research with Jung's essay "The Importance
of Dreams" and Freud's essay "Erotic Wishes and Dreams," both of which are in
the course packet.
Difficulty level: moderate.
- Write an essay in which you analyze one of your own dreams. In this analysis you
should pick two or three of the dreams major symbols,
evaluate them for meaning, and show how they fit together to reveal a larger
theme or idea. You may also wish to compare your dream to a fundamental
myth or story with which you are familiar. Study and interpret your dream using
the principles suggested in Jung's essay and any of the host of books and web
sites devoted to the subject. Then discuss what you learned about dream symbolism
and about how your mind works.
Difficulty level: easy.
- Read Jung's essay "The Shadow" from the course packet and Marie-Luise Von Franz's "The Realization of
the Shadow in Dreams" (on reserve in Jung's Man and His Symbols, p. 171-185), then write an
expository essay in which you describe the concept of Shadow archetype and the need to integrate the
"shadow" side of the personality as Von Franz proposes. Support your main points
with examples from your dreams, people you have met that seem unbalanced or
seem to represent the "shadow" side of your personality, and/or popular
films or novels that reflect on the role of the shadow self.
Difficulty level: moderate-hard.
- Though sleep and dreams have been studied in the laboratory for more than half a
century, scientists still do not fully understand or agree on the nature of
either. Write an essay in which you present an alternate theory of dreams not
discussed in class.
Difficulty level: moderate.
- There are numerous theories of how divination works--or does not work--ranging
from the quasi-scientific to the spiritual. In his
essay "Patterns in a Subtle Light," for example, Richard Smoley discusses both
Jung's theory of "synchronicity" and the concept of "astral light" as possible
theories, whereas in his book Believing in Magic (on reserve), Stuart A.
Vyse offers up a host of psychological explanations. Write an essay in which you
discuss one or more theories of divination. Do any of them seem reasonable
to you? Why or why not?
Difficulty level: moderate-hard.
- Pick a divination system such as the Tarot, the Runes, or the I Ching, and
write an essay that discusses that system's general principles. In addition to
explaing how the system works, your essay should provide historical background
on the system and an analysis of some of its key symbols.
Difficulty level: easy-moderate.
Writing Requirements
Length: 5-7 pages.
Due Dates: Mon. Sept. 19, Peer draft (bring 3 copies); Mon. Sept. 25, Final draft.
Sources: At least three. Your sources must meet the following minimum requirements:
- At least one source must come from the readings in our course packet.
- At least one source must come from books, magazines, and journals from the
University's libraries and/or Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost).
- Although you may use them in your paper, dictionaries and general purpose
encyclopedias (e.g. Encarta, wikipedia) do not count toward your source
requirements.
These are, of course, the minimum requirements; you may use as many sources as are
necessary to adequately explore your topic. Always keep in mind that the sources you use
reflect on how seriously you approached your research, and you will be evaluated on
their applicability and strength.
Submitting Your Work
Essays must be submitted in a plain, 2-pocket folder with your name clearly written on the
outside. Plastic folders or folders containing school logos or other decorative art will not
be accepted. The following items must be included inside your folder:
- Final draft of essay, stapled, in a pocket by itself.
- First draft of essay I reviewed.
- Completed Peer Evaluation Forms.
- Essay Grade Sheet (available in the "Notes & Forms" section of this web site).
Folders missing peer evaluation forms will be docked one letter grade. Folders missing
any other of the above-mentioned items will be considered incomplete and may be docked 1/4
point (on 4-pt. scale) per day late until all the items have been received.
Grading Criteria
When assigning grades, I reserve "A" for exceptional papers; you do not get an "A" simply
by addressing the topic in a standard way and avoiding mechanical errors.
I will assess you in the following three areas:
Invention
- Introduction and Thesis: Are these components of your essay clearly written,
easily identifiable, and effective in presenting the topic, providing direction to the paper as a whole,
and discussing the significance of the topic?
- Accuracy, Wording, and Research: Have you used the required outside sources to support your argument,
and when using these sources, do you express their concepts fairly and accurately? NOTE: Failure to meet
research requirements may result in an 'E' for the essay. Have you integrated quotes smoothly?
If you are paraphrasing, do you use your own words yet still remain faithful to the author's original
meaning? Have you expressed your ideas clearly and concisely? Is the essay in your own words?
- Lines of Argument: Have you clearly and extensively defined necessary terms? Have you illustrated your
criteria with specific examples and, if necessary, contrasting examples? Have you established ethical, logical, and
emotional reasons (evidence) in support of your thesis, in order of importance?
- Conclusion: Have you summarized your argument, leaving your readers with ideas that they can think about in
the future?
- Revision: Are there substantial changes between the draft and final versions of the essay?
Does your final version meet the length requirements?
Organization
- Beginning: Have you followed the organizational plan discussed in class? Have you offered an introduction
in which you explain the issue and show why it is relevant? Have you presented a clear thesis that guides and
unifies the essay?
- Middle: Are your paragraphs focused and well developed? Do your paragraphs contain topic sentences?
Have you revised for clarity and worked on eliminating wordy, unclear, and/or repetitive
areas in your essay? Have you included transitional words between sentences and paragraphs to make your
ideas flow more smoothly?
- End: Do you offer a conclusion which does more than merely repeat your major ideas?
Style
- Format: Does your paper adhere to MLA format, including font and point size? Have you correctly cited
from your sources and inserted a parenthetical citation after each quote? Have you introduced the quote
in an effective way? Have you correctly used MLA formatting and included a "Works Cited" page?
- Tone: Is your tone appropriate for the chosen audience?
- Grammar/Sentences: Is your paper free from grammatical errors such as sentence fragments, fused sentences,
comma splices, mixed constructions, apostrophe errors, subject/verb and pronoun/antecedent disagreement?
Is the essay free from spelling errors?
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