Unit+2+Homework+Archive

= MAJOR ESSAYS AND PROJECTS =

1. Timed Essay #2 -- Myth and its Role in Human Affairs
To be completed in class on Monday, October 21. Click for a review/preparation slideshow.

2. Timed Essay #3 -- Rhetorical Analysis of a Primary Document from the American Revolution
To be completed in class on Friday, November 1.

3. Group Project -- Rhetorical Annotation and Analysis
To be completed in class from Wednesday, October 23 to Friday, October 25. All directions will be provided in class.

4. Rebuttal Essay
Due Tuesday, October 29. You can download the directions. The rubric is available on the Course Documents page.

= HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS =

1. Plato's Apology
Download and read the copy of Plato's //Apology// attached below. Answer the following questions in complete but concise language, using relevant examples from the text wherever possible.
 * Due: Friday, October 11**

1. What are the main themes of the introduction? What is the intended effect of this introduction and what strategies does Socrates use to create that effect? (Note: Remember that “effect” means “effect on audience.”)

2. What are the older false accusations that Socrates mentions? What is the source of these accusations against Socrates? Why does Socrates find these older accusations harder to deal with than the one currently being brought against him?

3. When Socrates denies that he even attempts to teach others and denies that he makes money by such efforts, he is refusing to be associated with a group of professional teachers known as the Sophists. What is his tone when he expresses admiration for the ability of the Sophists—who include Gorgias, Prodicus, Hippias and Evenus—to educate? How does his diction and/or syntax reveal this tone? What role does this tone play in Socrates’ defense of himself?

4. Summarize the anecdote about the response of the Delphic oracle to Chaerephon’s question. What does Socrates believe this response says about human wisdom? What duty does Socrates undertake as a result of the oracle’s response?

5. What are the charges against Socrates brought by Meletus at this trial? What arguments does Socrates offer against these charges in his opening statement?

6. How does Socrates use military service as an analogy for his present situation? Explain the difference between the values emphasized by Socrates and those that, by implication, are considered important by the typical Athenian.

7. Look up the word "gadfly" in a dictionary. What is the meaning of Socrates's metaphor of the gadfly? According to Socrates, what is so unusual about his devotion to Athens' highest welfare?

8. Explain the nature of Socrates's "divine guide". How has this guide affected Socrates’ life?

9. What usual practice of defendants in Athenian law courts does Socrates refuse to follow? Why does he find this practice objectionable? According to Socrates what would be impious about earning acquittal by this means?

10. Write an overview of Socrates’ line of reasoning (that is, step-by-step logic) when asked to invent an alternate penalty for himself. What is his tone as he invents, evaluates, and rejects different possibilities? What penalty does he finally suggest and why?

11. What reason does Socrates give for his conviction? What prophecy does Socrates make with regard to the effect of his death on the Athenians? Why does Socrates assume that his condemnation is actually something good?

12. What is Socrates's view of death? Why does Socrates especially want to talk to Palamedes and Ajax (son of Telamon) in the afterlife? Explain why Socrates, having been condemned to death, still believes that "a good man can suffer no evil".

2. Extra Credit Opportunity -- Foundations of Rhetorical Study
**Due: Friday, October 18** Click here to visit the section of our Art of Rhetoric page devoted to the contributions of ancient authors to our understanding of argumentation. Read the directions, select a reading, and make a contribution to the section of the page devoted to that author. You will receive extra credit (up to one full homework grade) based on the clarity, depth, and accuracy of your contribution.

3. Rhetorical Analysis -- Editing the Declaration of Independence
**Due: Monday, October 14** In his //Autobiography//, Thomas Jefferson published his original draft of the //Declaration of Independence// with annotations to show how his editors had changed the original document. Read and choose **five** changes to analyze. For each one, provide the following:
 * Paragraph # and change #
 * A description of the change
 * A rhetorical analysis (i.e. What is the effect of the change?)

4. Rhetorical Outline of Thomas Paine's //Common Sense//
**Due: Monday, October 21** Read Thomas Paine's and complete a  of his argument. See the Course Documents page for a copy of the rubric.

5. Rough Draft of Rebuttal Essay
**Due: Thursday, October 24** Bring a complete rough draft to the writing center for review any day between Thursday, October 24 and Monday, October 28. See item 4 under "Assessments" above for the complete directions.