Final Presentation Slides

The final paper for Freedom and Authority will tie together the two blocks through an in-depth investigation of a particular relationship between freedom and authority over time and space. The main goal of this project is address the West In Time learning outcomes:

• Engage students in an exploration of the past through examination of ideas, events, cultural institutions, and practices;
• Enable students to expand their understanding of narratives of the development of the Western tradition over time and provide them with the analytical tools to critique those narratives;
• Engage students in critical analysis of the connections between the past and the present;
• Encourage students to consider how our understanding of contemporary events is informed by our grasp of the historical past. 

You may choose a topic covered in class or find an entirely new direction. You are encouraged to view the topic through the various lenses of political, scientific, economic, religious, and social authority. Some potential topics include:

• The role of women in society
• The conflict between competing religions for dominance
• The development of the market economy

You are highly encouraged to use your final paper for Block 1 as the first half of this paper, modifying the original paper as necessary. However, it is perfectly fine to start from scratch if desirable. Your paper should make some reference to the readings from class, as well as some new sources from academic papers or books. You must have a minimum of six references, three from the classical world and three from the modern world. 

Your final paper should be structured as follows: 

• a brief introduction to the aspect or aspects of freedom and authority you are planning to explore,
• a substantial investigation of freedom and authority in the classical world (Greek, Roman, Biblical traditions),
• a substantial investigation of freedom and authority in the modern world (Western Europe and America after 1500),
• a conclusion demonstrating the overarching narrative between the classical and modern worlds. 

The final paper should be between 12-15 pages, with a small margin of error. Use the standard MLA citation format for your references. Footnotes or endnotes are preferable to in-line references.  

A complete draft of the paper must be submitted by Saturday, October 10 at 12pm. The final version will be submitted by Wednesday, October 14 at 12pm. 

The last two days of class will be consist of in-class presentations of your final project. The presentations should be approximately 12-15 minutes long. Each presentation should use PowerPoint or any other presentation software. Please have a complete version of your slides ready for the individual meetings on Monday, October 12. Submit your presentation slides by 12pm on Wednesday, October 14.