Project #2 (Research Paper) Prompt:

In this paper, you will choose one of the topics below and compare and contrast how two different groups that we have discussed this quarter understood the topic. At least one of these groups must be from the ancient Near East (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, ancient Israel, Ptolemaic Egypt, Ancient Judaism, Rabbinic Judaism, Early Christianity, and Early Islamic Medicine). In the process of comparing and contrasting, it is important that you contextualize your chosen groups, why these similarities and differences occur, and the effect of these similarities and differences on other relevant issues.

Possible Topics:

The training, skills, and/or status of healers and/or medical experts
The conception of the body and its proper function
The conception of health
The conception of disability
Women’s health

In crafting your paper’s thesis, you should answer the following questions about your chosen topic: How are the groups similar? How are they different? And more importantly, why do these differences and similarities exist?

Requirements:

As part of the research paper, you will:

Submit an annotated bibliography of six sources. On annotated bibliographies, see https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bi bliographies/annotated_bibliography_samples.html.
Submit a complete draft (9-10 pages), which your TA will comment on and assign a grade worth 15% of your overall grade.
Incorporate feedback from your TA as well as your own edits and submit a revised version of the paper (9-10 pages), worth 20% of your overall grade.

In this research paper, each student will engage with at least eight secondary sources and three primary sources, as well as the historical and cultural background of ancient medicine to offer a detailed overview and original thesis. Course readings (both primary and secondary) can be used toward these sources but only when immediately relevant.

Length: 9-10 typed pages (both the draft and final revision must at least be 9 complete pages) Format: double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins

Proper citation of sources in Chicago Style (https://owl.purdue.edu)

Reminders/Suggestions:

Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form (this includes the use of AI). If you are found to have plagiarized, you will receive a zero on this assignment and possibly a failing grade for the course. You will also be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students. If you have a question about how to cite a source, please contact your TA or the Writing Center.

Keep in mind the following questions/concepts while completing this assignment:

Do not attempt to point out all of the similarities and differences you find, rather, choose 2- 3 issues to discuss in detail
Be careful to not merely summarize or list the similarities and differences. Remember that part of the prompt requires you to show why these similarities and differences occur.
Do not forget about the cultural contexts of your groups. (You should explicitly talk about this in your paper).
Do cite and engage with your chosen sources.
Be specific with your argument and analysis (i.e., if you are going to talk about health, what specifically about health? A healthy body? A healthy community? etc.).
Do plan your writing process and get feedback and help from resources available to you, like the Writing Center, which is an excellent resource for help with writing assignments