Paper topics for Axtell & Kramnick, Fall 2006

Papers should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins, printed in 12 pt. Times New Roman or a similar proportional font. Since the book you are writing on should be your only source (unless otherwise specified), the basis for your assertions and the sources of your examples and quotations may be cited by simply listing the author and page numbers in parentheses, for example (Rowson, pp. 23-24). If there is a specific document or section within the book (as in the various chapters of Axtell), that should be mentioned in the text.

This is not a research paper. The idea here is not to pack in as much information as you can, but instead to present a thoughtful and clearly-written analysis. The best essays will thoroughly answer the question and make a clear, well-defined argument, supporting the author's point of view with specific factual or textual evidence. For your information, rely on the book you are analyzing and other materials used in this course (textbooks, lectures, and online readings). You may use sections of the course books that were not assigned to the whole class, but you MAY NOT bring in any outside secondary works without permission of Prof. Pasley or one of the TAs.

Papers focusing on the Axtell (Indians) or Kramnick (Enlightenment) books are due in your section meeting the week of October 19-20.

Other choices will be added so please check back later. As always, ask any questions by commenting on this post.

Topics focusing on James Axtell, ed., The Indian Peoples of Eastern America: A Documentary History of the Sexes

• What relationship does a society's "private" life have with its "public" life? In other words, do ideas about the proper structure and functioning of families and personal relationships have any influence on ideas about politics and government, and vice versa?
• Based on the readings, compare and contrast the workings and values of eastern North American native families and communities with those of the Europeans who colonized the continent. What were the most important differences? What aspects of Native American culture promoted resistance to European colonization, and what aspects may have hindered resistance?
• In the conclusion to "The White Indians of Colonial America," James Axtell quotes Crevecouer in saying that "something singularly captivating" (p. 88) kept white captives in Native American societies, but Axtell never says what that something was. From the article and the textbook, what do you think it was, and why? Do you think that factor changed for men and women, adults and children, English and French? Why or why not?

Topics focusing on Isaac Kramnick, ed., The Portable Enlightenment Reader

• Describe and analyze the essential elements of Enlightenment thought on one or two of the the following topics:
• the nature of truth
• the role of women in society
• the political rights of women
• crime (and punishment)
• slavery
• Africans
• American Indians
  
• war
• progress
• history
• art
• mind
• the existence of God
• organized religion
• the human mind
• human nature
  
• the scientific method
• morality
• manners
  
• role of the state in the economy
• luxury goods and other form of consumption
  
• the natural world

You will almost certainly need to read well beyond the sections of the book that were assigned to the whole class. Email Professor Pasley if you have another idea for a specific aspect of Enlightenment thought to write about.