another prof is teaching both one day in the life of Ivan Denisovich and The Handmaid's Tale...
Link to her syllabus (good essay questions)
This is one of her essay assignments... intriguing
Paper Assignment
Since much 20th Century literature, including some of the works we are studying in this course, have at their core some type of existential philosophy, a thorough understanding of the definition of this belief is necessary (I am not asking you to subscribe to it, only to understand it!). Therefore, research the topic of existentialism, and then write a 500 word (typed, double-spaced) Definition paper. This paper should be written in "laymen's terms," not in philosophical jargon. Do NOT copy sources (plagiarize)--this is YOUR paper, not anyone else's. Define the term; give a quick historical overview; perhaps give personalized examples to show the reader what existentialism is all about. Existential thought is like a tree with many branches. Cut to the core of the philosophy: the major precepts. Do not get bogged down in the many offshoots. This paper is due _________________. It will be graded on originality of content, proper organization of ideas, and correctness of grammar. A Bibliography page and/or a Work(s) Cited page are required, along with copies of all works used as resources.