Assignment:
Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic choices below. Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (250 words) which analyzes the "surprise ending" of the reading selection.
Two (2) reading selections from Voltaire's Candide. The story begins by acknowledging the foolishness of the superstitious traditions held by the people in the city of Lisbon but ends by confirming Voltaire's belief that religion in general is equally based in false superstitions. For the reading selection you choose:
1. Clearly state in your own words the "surprise ending" in the reading you selected. Identify the point in the reading when you realized that the ending would be different from what the beginning of the reading suggested that it would be.
2. Since you were expecting a different ending, evaluate how successful the author was in convincing you to accept the validity of the "surprise ending" that was not clearly suggested at the beginning.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the course shell for reference)
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Explain how key social, cultural, and artistic contributions contribute to historical changes.
Explain the importance of situating a society's cultural and artistic expressions within a historical context.
Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions.
Identify major historical developments in world cultures from the Renaissance to the contemporary period.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of world cultures.
Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing mechanics.