Wikipedia has some useful information about some of the more prominent historical figures from Machiavelli’s masterpiece.
Cesare Borgia: The diabolical lord and son of a Pope Alexander VI.
Alexander VI: Not the holiest pope the world has seen.
Commodus: A Roman Emperor — who was villainized in “Gladiator”
Ferdinand of Aragon: The king of Spain.
Influence of the Media
Create a “Classic” argument that analyzes a specific branch of the media. (Note: students may wish to analyze a broad medium – such as country music, video games, print advertisements for alcohol. Or students may focus on a specific product – such as “The Dixie Chicks,” “Grand Theft Auto” or Absolut print ads.)
Create an argument that identifies and evaluates the subject’s positive and/or negative influence (or lack thereof).
Optional: Students may also propose a change or a call to action.
Length: +1200 words
Incorporate at least two outside sources and a works cited page.
Class schedule:
Oct. 28th: Brainstorm / Discuss Ideas for Media Essay
Nov. 2nd: Read / Discuss Chapters 1-4 of The Art of War
Nov. 4th: Read / Discuss Chapters 5 -6 of The Art of War
Bring in a “compelling” war story
Nov. 9th: Draft Day / Bring in +3 paragraphs of Media Essay
Read / Discuss Chapters 7-10 of The Art of War
Nov. 11th: Finish Discussion / Watch first half of “The Fog of War”
Nov. 16th: Media Essay Due
Yep — I wasn’t in class today because I decided to sleep off the last remnants of this wonderful cold. Hope you weren’t too disappointed.
Don’t forget to email me a two paragraph analysis of a poem or song lyrics.
My email address is: profwade@hotmail.com
See you on Tuesday!
Hi everybody…
Read this essay from Salon.com: “Grand Death Auto” — be prepared for a quiz about its basic content and your opinion.
The “Letter” Argument
Create an argument that is written in the form of a letter. The essay should address a specific reader, preferably a person (or group) with the authority and/or ability to alleviate the problematic situation detailed in your argument.
Students may choose one of the following topics:
A)
B)
C)
Each essay should contain the following components:
• Define terms / Offer background information
• Provide evidence to support points
• Propose a solution OR defend the status quo
• Refute / respond to opposing views
Students are encouraged to follow one of the argument strategies which we discussed in class:
A) Classic Argument: Tone = Confidence / Goal = To Win
B) Rogerian Argument: Tone = Respectful / Goal = To Seek a Compromise
In-Class Essay:
Choose one of the following essay prompts:
A) Compare / contrast a modern day political leader with Machiavelli’s ideal Prince. Should the leader embrace or reject any of Machiavelli’s concepts? Why / why not?
B) Select a historical figure that seemed to embody at least some of traits of Machiavelli’s Prince. Providing specific examples, illustrate whether this type of leadership was beneficial or detrimental to the society.
C) After learning more about Machiavelli’s life, create a psychological profile that analyzes his motivation for writing The Prince. What does his treatise reveal about his moral character?
D) Analyze three quotes from The Prince which qualify as sage advice for contemporary society. Provide examples of where, when, and how Machiavelli’s “wisdom” should be utilized.
Hey there…
During Tuesday’s we will be reading two different essays in class by the following authors:
and
The above links will take you to Wikipedia, which offers a decent overview of each author’s life and philosophy.
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