Prompt:
Discuss the popular western philosophies of Christianity versus Absurdism and their effect on
artistic creativity. In other words, how have these philosophies driven artistic various creations?
Be sure to include examples from the short stories, novels and television shows that we’ve
discussed in Unit 2 and Unit 3 and how those artist’s contributions to art have lasting effects on
the Western world.
(see Structure section for specific questions to address)
Writing guidelines:
PURPOSE:
Your critical response involves analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking. A Response is not
just an “opinion paper.” You need to make claims
and use examples from course reading, videos,
and/or outside sources.
FORMAT:
paper should be 3-5 pages in length, and double-spaced with one-inch margins. (Don’t worry,
if you discuss all aspects of the prompt, you should have no trouble getting to 5 double-spaced pages)
STRUCTURE:
Make sure you include the basic information early in the opening of your paper:
philosophies you will be discussing; types of art you will discuss; tie that info to the overall Western
world.
The following questions may help you to analyze the course information and get a start on your paper.
Your paper should address these questions
.
In Unit 2 we discussed western world religions and how even though some of us may consider
ourselves non-religious, many of us still participate in ceremonies or rituals, and or follow myth
that are deeply rooted in religion. Discuss the benefits, if any, in participating in social ritual or
ceremony.
Briefly explain the philosophical thought behind the Resurrection myth and how it can be a
driving force in non-religious literature. Discuss the benefits, if any, of reading this type of
literature.
Existentialism, nihilism and Absurdism are typically real downers, in other words it can be sad to
think of life as meaningless. How and why do you think these philosophies inspire comedy in
some artists? Ex: Rick and Morty. Does the philosophical message or tone change when
presented as comedy? How so? Does the message make you feel different when presented as
comedy?
Explain how Albert Camus’ philosophical beliefs are the driving force behind his novel
The
Stranger
? Is Meursault the absurd man? Is he comparable to Sisyphus in any way? Discuss the
benefits, if any, in reading nihilistic or absurd literature.
You may discuss anything from the course reading, videos, Discussion Boards, or outside reading.
Feel
free to quote/paraphrase from your text, course readings, course videos etc. I will urge you to use
specific examples.
PLAGIARISM:
To write with originality and depth, you must use your own voice and resist the urge to
plagiarize. This assignment requires little to no outside research, and is meant to be pure analysis of the
information by you alone.
Feel free to quote from your text, course readings, course videos etc. Just be
sure to cite properly. Copying from sparknotes.com or any of the college essay sites is easily
detectable and takes away your chance to trust yourself and make observations about your analysis
of the information.
GRADING STANDARDS FOR WRITING
Grades for writing in this course are determined by your adherence to guidelines, deadlines, and
thoroughness of analysis, writing ability, mechanics, and clarity of logic. For all written assignments, the
student should accomplish each of the following goals:
A:
Well organized (use of introduction, conclusion, paragraphs with a single main point,
evidence from analysis, and transitions); sentences smooth and carefully crafted; virtually
no errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar; words chosen with precision; language fresh,
vivid, and concise; addresses all the specifics of the prompt.
B:
Well-organized, but paragraph structure sometimes disjointed; a few awkward passages and
errors in mechanics; language sometimes general, may lack freshness or precision; no
errors glaring or highly distracting; addresses most of the specifics of the prompt.
C:
Organized, but paragraphs often disunited or misplaced; shows logical plan but writing is
wordy, general, imprecise, or trite; sentences awkward but meaning is clear; articulation
fair, and volume just loud enough; errors in mechanics but not highly distracting; addresses
some of the specifics of the prompt.
NC:
meaning not clear in many sentences due to poor construction; language muddled and
unclear; errors in mechanics are distracting; does not address the specifics of the prompt.