critical thinking

GEN 110

Prof. Bowker

Final Essay Assignment

For this assignment, please describe one key concept from Laing and apply it to the fiction of Kafka and Camus (and the film “Bartleby,” if you like). Explore how that concept functions in the fictional stories as well as what can be learned from such an application. Due: Last day of class.  Pages: 6-8.

Your papers should follow this basic outline:

1. Choose one (1) of the following:

(a)  confirmation / disconfirmation (these are so deeply connected, they count as one core concept),

(b)  attribution / injunction (same idea: these are so deeply connected, they count as one core concept)

(c)  collusion

Then explain exactly what it means, why and how it happens, and what effects Laing believes it has on people. This part of the paper will be graded on how well you define and explain one of Laing’s central concepts.

2. Now synthesize Laing’s concept with the three pieces of fiction we have read: including any stories by Kafka and Camus’ novel, “The Stranger”. Basically, your goal is to show how one of Laing’s concepts operates in these works of fiction. You may wish to think about this portion of your paper as making Laing, Kafka, and/or Camus converse.  This part of the paper is graded on the depth and complexity of the conversation that takes place in your paper.  A superficial conversation about obvious connections will be graded less favorably than a profound and thoughtful conversation about complex, intricate, or subtle connections. This should be the bulk of your paper.

You will also be graded on how coherently you apply one of Laing’s categories to the Kafka stories and/or Camus’ novel.

3. For the concluding section of your paper, please reflect on the connections you have made between Laing and these stories. Ask yourself: So what?  So what if there is disconfirmation in The Stranger?  What does that tell us about the deeper meaning of the novel?  Does it tell us anything new or interesting about Laing’s concept? i.e. perhaps the theory is inadequate to describe what happens in the story.  Try to unpack the ideas of Laing and Kafka and Camus by challenging assumptions, questioning meanings or interpretations, and considering alternative conclusions.

This part of the paper is graded on how astutely you analyze Laing’s argument, the fictional texts you have chosen, and the connections you have found between them for assumptions, implicit claims, meanings, themes, problems, or other ideas.

Because it is the end of the term, no late papers will be accepted.

Please consider making an appointment with me or a tutor at the Academic Skills Center for additional help with outlining, drafting, and writing your final essay.    Good Luck!