What it is: a one page, typed, single-spaced piece of writing with a title, in standard font (Times 12 for example), that demonstrates your ability to generate convincing, specific and deductive conclusions about the assigned topic. No research on the web or otherwise. None. No summarizing. No claims unsupported by the text.

Assigned topic: read the essay on the “Enlightenment” (as assigned on the syllabus), which is a reproduction of a printed, respectable encyclopedia entry. Pay close attention to pages 92-100 (page numbers are indicated in white bars within the column of text). Write your response paper on the ways in which we may read Candide as an Enlightenment text. Begin by offering a succinct definition of the Enlightenment and then make the bulk of your response a clear and specific deliberation about the Enlightenment characteristics of this book. You may be exhaustive (focus on several characteristics) or more focussed (spend more time on one aspect of Enlightenment thinking as expressed in Candide). You have freedom in this regard. What is essential is (1) clarity of reasoning; (2) specificity; (3) critical thinking (as opposed to summary and/or descriptive writing). You must interpret, not summarize or skim the surface.

Do not forget you have to read Wordsworth’s “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” for Monday as well.