ASSIGNMENT:
Write an paper between 800 and 1000 words based on the questions assigned
below. The paper should be typed, double spaced, with one inch margins
all around, and not use a typeface or font above 12 points. The paper should
also be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Type the question you
are addressing on a COVER PAGE (which will not count towards the paper
length) and follow the guidelines below. ADD
A WORD COUNT ON THE COVER PAGE OF YOUR PAPER.
These questions are modified versions
of questions that YOU provided me. If you wish to write on a different
theme, please WRITE a question, and submit that to me BEFORE
MARCH 21. Those working on books other than the ones listed below need
to consult with me ASAP.
QUESTIONS
GOD OF SMALL THINGS
Does CLASS (based on economic status),
CASTE (based on varna-jati distinctions) or GENDER form the most important
basis for privilege and/or power (or the lack of it) in the society described
by Arundhati Roy in God of
Small Things? Draw on at least three different characters from the
novel to argue your case.
WHY I AM NOT A HINDU
1. One of the ways in which Ilaiah demonstrates
the superiority of the Dalits over Hindu society is by claiming greater
egalitarianism in gender relations among the former. Based on a close reading
of the book, would you agree? Support your case with examples drawn from
different parts of the book.
2. Would you say that Dalit lives described
by Ilaiah are incompatible with a democratic polity, or a product of it?
Support your argument with data drawn from different parts of the book.
RAAG DARBARI
Compare and contrast the ideals of democracy
enshrined in the Indian constitution with the practice of it Shivpalganj.
Does democracy have a future in such situtations? Why or why not?
GUIDELINES
1. Read the question you are attempting
very carefully, and address all parts of the question in your paper.
2. All the questions ask you to make an
argument or take a position on a subject related to contemporary India.
Outline your THESIS or ARGUMENT in your INTRODUCTION. This argument needs
to be supported by EVIDENCE, for which you will use the text you have chosen
to write about. You should CONCLUDE your paper by tying together the main
points of evidence you have presented and connecting them to your thesis.
3. Write clearly, and proofread the paper
carefully. You will lose points if I spend a lot of time simply trying
to understand what it is you are trying to get across, or in correcting
grammar and spellings.
4. The information as well as ideas you
get from books, or from other outside sources, needs to be attributed to
those sources in the paper. Not doing so could leave you open to charges
of PLAGIARISM. Details of various recognized citation styles are available
in style manuals, and also on the web at: <http://www.nau.edu/library/reference/citation.html>
Whatever recognized style you use, be consistent. Append a bibliography
at the end of your paper.
6. Use quotes only when necessary to support
a specific argument, and not simply to fill up space!
7. None of the questions REQUIRE extra
research. If you do read outside the prescribed readings, please do NOT
use Encyclopedias, fact-books, almanacs etc. for information to write the
paper. I also DO NOT want you to cite WEB SITES as sources of information
UNLESS THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR THE CLASS, as there are too
many sites that contain inaccurate information, and unsubstantiated assertions.
Any other web-sites need to be cleared with me before being used for the
paper. Feel free to use any books by professional historians or social
scientists, and articles in scholarly journals.
8. Number all pages except the cover page.