What are the humanities and how are they relevant to our lives?
Illustrate your discussion with reference to one specific ancient/medieval text assigned in this class and
explain its relevance to modern society. Explain the text using one of the frameworks we explored in this
class (i.e., myth, philosophy, religion, or literature). You should refer to at least two secondary sources, but
note that this is not a research paper. You should be able to complete the paper drawing only from the
required and recommended resources included in this course.
Your paper should be outlined as follows:
In your introduction include a clear definition of the humanities and a concise summary of their relevance for
our lives. (No more than one page)
In your next paragraph, explain the methodology you will use to illustrate your claim about the humanities.
State which text you will use and which humanities framework you will use to analyze your chosen text.
Give a very brief summary of that framework, making sure to explain why it is considered part of the
humanities, what distinguishes it from other humanities disciplines, and why it is a good framework for
interpreting your chosen text. (No more than one page)
Give an interpretation of your chosen text using the specific framework you selected, focusing primarily on
the aspects of the text that are relevant to life in modern society. You may need to summarize some aspects
of your chosen text before trying to explain its relevance, but your discussion should be primarily analysis
rather than mere summary. In other words, explain the meaning of the text from your framework’s point of
view, not just what the text says or what happens in the plot. (No more than three pages)
In conclusion, summarize how your chosen text fits into the definition of the humanities you stated in your
introduction and also how it serves as an example of the humanities’ relevance to our lives as you
summarized it in your introduction. (No more than one page)
The Final Paper
Must be five to six double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted
according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
(Links to an external site.)
Sample Solution
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