Discuss the following:
Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic choices below. The focus is on brief but important primary source material written by major authors. Read the selections as identified with each topic below.
Topic Choices
Reading selection from Descartes’ Discourse on the Method . Descartes begins with a proof of one basic conclusion and ends with a proof of something much grander. Remember to focus on the surprise and point of realization, not the details of the philosophical argument. Read Part IV of the Discourse on the Method located at https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/descartes1637.pdf (then scroll down to Part 4, pp. 14-18).
Reading selection of Swift’s A Modest Proposal. It is essential to recognize the genre of this work, as discussed in our class text, which you should consult and cite. Swift promotes a radical solution, but subtle options are mentioned. You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. Read and focus on A Modest Proposal located at https://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/swift/modest.html.
Two (2) reading selections from Voltaire’s Candide. Consider how these readings start and end in terms of the action and the beliefs.
You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. These selections can be found on pp. 840-841 in the textbook. In addition, consult the class text at pp. 824-825.
For the reading selection you choose:
Clearly state in your own words the “surprise ending” in the reading you selected. Clearly identify the point in the reading when you realized that there were elements in the reading that surprised you. Not all of the surprises come at the end.
Evaluate how successful the author was in convincing you to accept the validity of the “surprise ending” that was different from what you expected.
Your assignment should follow these formatting requirements:
a. Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references should follow APA Style format.
b. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment. The cover page and the reference page are excluded in the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes are:
a. Explain how key social, cultural, and artistic contributions contribute to historical changes.
b. Explain the importance of situating a society’s cultural and artistic expressions within a historical context.
c. Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions.
d. Identify major historical developments in world cultures from the Renaissance to the contemporary period.
e. Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of world cultures.
f. Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing mechanics.