Women in Antiquity

Position Paper

The assignment:Write a 6- to 8-page position paper in which you express an opinion about a topic related to gender in ancient history, and use evidence to back up that opinion. In this paper, you’re taking a side on some question or controversy, and you’re using reasoning and research to support your side of the argument.

We’ll work through it in stages over the course of the semester:

A. Choose a Topic
B. Write a Proposal

For these two stages, see the video and details on the proposal page.

C. Find your Evidence

Research your topic and find at least three sources that will provide you with evidence for your argument; these need to be primary and secondary sources only. I’ll point you toward some possibilities in my feedback on your proposal.

  • Ideally you should have a mix of primary and secondary sources, but it will depend on the topic.
  • Tertiary sources are not allowed. These include textbooks, encyclopedias, and most websites.
  • For guidance on finding full-text online primary and secondary sources in the Covid-19 era, read the Research Options handout.
D. Make your Argument
  • In your introduction, briefly describe the problem and state the position you will argue as a thesis statement. Your introduction should follow the format of the proposal (see the proposal page).
  • In the body of your paper, make three assertions as to why your thesis statement is valid. For each assertion, describe and discuss the evidence from the primary and secondary sources.
    • For example, if you were writing the Hannibal/elephants paper described on the proposal page, you could start one section with an assertion that elephants were not a bad idea inherently, then discuss evidence showing the effective use of elephants in war.
    • Then begin the next section with an assertion that Romans were adaptable in war, and discuss evidence showing how Romans changed their military tactics and strategies to meet new kinds of war and new enemies.
    • Your third section could begin with an assertion that it was Roman adaptability that trumped the effectiveness of Hannibal’s evidence, and discuss the evidence that showed how the Romans overcame the use of elephants in the fight with Hannibal.
    • Each section starts with an assertion followed by evidence, and each section builds on the previous sections to make an overall argument.
  • End with a conclusion that shows how your three assertions came together to support your thesis.

Optional Draft. You may submit an optional draft two weeks before the final due date. It should include most of your paper (at least two thirds of the final content, with sections to be written described in square brackets). I’ll give feedback, but not a grade, to help you refine your final paper. To make sure I see it soonest, please email me your optional draft rather than uploading it to BlackBoard.

IMPORTANT

  • Watch the video.The overview video explains what I want you to cover in the essay and what I’m expecting in terms of arguments, evidence, and structure.
  • Before you upload,make sure your essay meets the Requirements for All Papers, including formatting, structure, and citations. You will be marked down drastically if your paper is not properly cited. For how to do citations and bibliographies, see the Citations handout.