Should be an argumentative essay in defense of a thesis! A thesis is a claim that you try to prove one way or another. Pick a thesis that is narrow and easy to discuss! Don’t try to prove everything! A claim that is too broad to too ambitious will make for a bad paper. Give a good, thorough defense of a small claim! I am looking for depth and engagement more than breadth.

The worst thing you can do is to only repeat and rehearse my lecture notes! You should show me that you’re thinking hard about an issue, that you’ve read the material I’ve provided and conducted your own research. Show me the work you’ve put in to these issues, the thoughts you’ve had, the things you’ve learned from your research.

General Structure:

1) Introduce topic, clear statement of thesis (~ 1 pg)

2) Argument in defense of thesis, with reference to the literature (use quotes sparringly!) (~ 2-3 pgs)

3) Treatment of objections to thesis, with responses (~ 2-3 pgs)

The midterm can be on any issue addressed in lessons 1¬-6, and should focus on the history and theory of auto