Ground Rules:

• Papers should be 1250-1500 words (approximately 5-6 pages) in length double-spaced, in twelve-point Times New Roman font (or the equivalent), with reasonable margins.
• Do not restate the prompt on the first page of your paper.
• Do not write one sentence on page five and consider your work done.  If your paper is five pages in length, then all five pages should be full.
• You must turn in your paper via Canvas by Monday, December 5 by 12pm. If you fail to do this, your paper will be counted as late.
• As per the syllabus, this essay is worth 20% of your final grade.  The highest grade a late paper can receive in the absence of a legitimate excuse is a “C+.”  You have plenty of time to write; do not wait until the last minute.
• This is a short paper, but that does not mean it is an “easy” paper. In fact, the short length is meant to make the assignment more challenging. Make every word count.

Prompt:

Drawing on ideas and arguments presented in the works we’ve considered in the second half of the course (Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Politics, and Epicurus’s surviving letters, doctrines, and sayings), craft an essay offering Platonic, Aristotelian, and Epicurean critiques of contemporary American politics, society, and culture. Make sure your essay directly addresses the following questions: What would Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurus diagnose as the most serious problems or ailments afflicting the United States today and what remedies would they prescribe as treatments for these infirmities?   

Your essay absolutely must include references to and direct quotations from Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Politics, and Epicurus’s collected writings. It may also draw on Astra Taylor’s Democracy May Not Exist, But We’ll Miss It When It’s Gone if you’d like, but that is not a requirement. 

Helpful Hints:

1. Your paper must have an argumentative thesis statement.  This is the first key to writing a good paper. Your paper should show knowledge of the required course readings in the course of defending an argumentative claim that responds to the question asked.  You should state your thesis clearly and concisely in the first paragraph of your paper.
2. This leads to the second key to writing a good paper; namely, providing ample, well-chosen textual evidence.  It is important to use numerous, brief textual citations to demonstrate the strength of the thesis you choose.  Apart from lectures, in-class films, and class discussions, no outside sources should be used.  Parenthetical citation with relevant page numbers is sufficient (i.e., Author, p. #).  Remember, the difference between good argument and mere opinion or bald assertion is well chosen textual evidence.
3. It is useful to make an outline of your arguments before you start writing.  If you would like me to review your outline, you are welcome to arrange a time to meet with me, visit me during my regularly scheduled office hours, or email me your outline. I will not review drafts of your papers, so please do not ask me to.
4. Consult this rubric Download rubric for further guidance on what makes an excellent paper excellent.

 ***Use direct quotes from all three books

Using the five examples below, address the following:  In what ways have each of the following affected the cost, quality, and access of health care in the U.S.?   Additionally, explain areas where a positive impact on population health can be realized.   Lastly, choose one specific area and speculate what might be done in that area to improve cost, quality, and access or provide a greater impact on population health. 

            •   Advances in medical technology

Research Paper Requirements

Write a 2-3 page APA compliant research paper (does not include title page, Abstract, or References page).
 

You must use at least one additional outside reference other than the course textbook. 

NOTE: A research paper template is provided above for your use.