The purpose of this assignment is to replace the in-class essays that would usually take place in an in-person course. Accordingly, consider this essay as a chance to display your general knowledge about some major content areas of the class so far. In order to complete this assignment, choose any 2 of the following 3 prompts and write a well-reasoned essay of 300-500 words for each. This is not a high word count, so strong essays will generally focus on the major themes and the larger picture that has been sketched in the class lectures and discussion sections. If you are not sure how to answer a prompt, you are encouraged to reread relevant workbook sections, relisten to the lectures, and reflect on earlier discussion section activities.
1) Ancient Slavery: Although both ancient Mediterranean societies and the Antebellum South practiced slavery, they did so in considerably different ways. In an essay of 300-500 words, compare and contrast Greco-Roman and Antebellum Southern slavery. Questions you may wish to consider include: who could (or could not) become enslaved? How were enslaved people treated? What arguments did each culture use to justify slavery? How were freed people treated?
2) The Colonial Period: Phillis Wheatley and the students at the Harvard Indian College (including Caleb Cheeshateaumauk and Eleazar) display considerable familiarity with the Classical literary tradition in their writing. In an essay of 300-500 words, compare and contrast the ways in which Wheatley and the Harvard Indian College students utilize the Classics in their own works. Questions you may wish to consider include: what benefit does alluding to the Classics bring to the author? What elements of the Classical tradition does each author focus on? How do Classical and Christian elements interact in these writings? How does each author’s native culture impact his or her response to the Classical tradition?
3) Early Film: As an inherently visual medium largely dependent upon human actors, film frequently reflects, supports, or questions popular attitudes about race. In an essay of 300-500 words, discuss the ways in which early films either reinforced or challenged contemporary beliefs regarding race in the societies that watched them. You may wish to discuss Cabiria, The Birth of a Nation, and/or Roman Scandals. A good essay will consider the intended audience for each film and explore the often-implicit messages that elements like casting and costuming send to a viewer.