ESSAY: A literary critique; a more personal look at the data from a certain point of view, – such as a cultural perspective or a value judgment; social/ educational relevance; individual experience, etc. Critical essay does not have to prove anything, but has to make its point and pass some judgment. (This type may appeal to a creative mind or an individual of highly personal involvement.)

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

• Throughout your paper:
• Refer to the passages from classical authors by the author’s name; the title; the traditional line/ paragraph numbers given in your translation. (You may, if you choose, use the standard abbreviations adopted in classical scholarship; not required for term papers.)
  • If your translation does not indicate the traditional lines/ paragraphs adopted in the editions of classical authors, then refer to the book page of your translation.
  • Reference to the classical passages (loci classici) is given in parentheses within the text: do not make a footnote at the bottom of the page.
• Refer to the scholarly works by the author’s name; the year of publication and the page quoted.
  • Footnotes with critical reference at the bottom of the pages are becoming optional; you may as well refer to your sources in parentheses within the major text. Let the style be your choice.
• IF YOU QUOTE VERBATIM FROM A CRITICAL WORK, use the quotation mark and INDICATE YOUR SOURCE. (Web-references are getting rather common these days.) Extensive direct quotation with no recognition of the source will be deemed plagiarism.
• Essential considerations:
  • Preface your paper with an introductory paragraph (a concise digest of your work – actually, to be written last, but first to meet the reader’s attention) – state your theme; highlight its important aspects; share preliminary results, etc. – prepare the reader to what will follow.
  • Conclude your paper with a paragraph of a summary (basically, repeat the same preview as a review, reminding the reader, who already knows what you have to say, of what it is you wish to be known.
  • Within the paper, divide your flow of though into paragraphs. (For longer papers, small section subtitles may be helpful.) Take care to provide a smooth transition between the ideas/ sections of your paper.
• What will count:
  • Correct diction/ spelling/ syntax.
  • Style of presentation/ editorial quality.
  • Pertinence of your paper to the nature of the course.
  • Extent of the knowledge of the material. (You do not have to pile up irrelevant information; your grasp of the data is apparent from the way you handle your subject.)
  • The quality of critical argument: analysis; insight; supporting data.
  • Organization of the data.
    • Paper evaluation will equally accommodate the elements of logical argument; personal insight and organizational skills, making room the variety of individual interests and academic tastes.
• Practical suggestions:
  • Evaluate the time you need to write a short paper, the time you are willing to spend for the task, and the time you can afford. (All those vary significantly! Often the best minds are slowest writers.)
  • If you are working simultaneously on a paper in a related discipline, you may combine the research and use the same data for both classes.
  • Chose a topic that engages/entertains you most. E.g.:
    • Discuss a character/type.
    • Discuss an episode/typical situation.
    • Compare the parallel elements, episodes or themes in different authors.
    • Discuss the author’s position on a specific issue.
    • Trace a theme: childhood; arts; hunt; dreams; gifts; love, etc. Discuss their functions and related metaphors.
    • Write a review of a book or several related articles.
  • Contact me with general or particular questions/suggestions.