OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY

In this 5-6 page paper you will combine ideas from various sources and synthesize them into one fluid piece of writing. Sources will include the readings we have done in the social sciences unit--Chapter 8 of WRAC: Obedience to Authority. Additional sources may include readings about "Camp X-ray," Franz Kafka's short story "The Penal Colony," and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."

You may choose one of the following two options:

TOPIC 1: (question from p. 376 of WRAC)

Describe a situation in which you were faced with a moral dilemma of whether or not to obey a figure of authority. After describing the situation and the action you took (or didn't take), discuss your behavior in light of any two readings we have looked at in this unit. You might consider a straightforward, four-part structure for your essay: 1) your description; 2) your discussion, in light of source A; 3) your discussion, in light of source B; and 4) your conclusion--an overall appraisal of your behavior.

TOPIC 2: (modified question from p. 376 of WRAC)

A certain amount of obedience is a given in society. Stanley Milgram and others observe that social order, civilization itself, would not be possible unless individuals were willing to surrender a portion of their autonomy to the state. Allowing that we all are obedient (we must be), state whether or not you think the current situation in "Camp X-ray" (Camp Delta) is one in which obedience to a figure of authority (the government) has become dangerous.

THE ROUGH DRAFT OF THIS PAPER will be due in class next Thursday, February 19. We will have a rough draft workshop on this day. Bring 2 copies, typed and double spaced.

THE FINAL DRAFT OF THIS PAPER will be due in class on Tuesday, FEBRUARY 24. You must turn in your rough draft with your final draft, as well as a works cited page. Failure to turn in either your rough draft or works cited will result in a ten percent grade deduction.

<<back to syllabus>>