Holy Foolishness in Christian Traditions Fall 2004

RU 360
MI 350
THEO 324A
ANTH 360K

Prof. Kobets

 

FINAL PAPER TOPICS

You may choose a topic from the list below, you may redefine the topics in any way that will help you to produce a unified paper, or you may choose your own topic. If you choose your own topic, I urge you to discuss that topic with me so that we can agree on its workability. We will discuss before the due date the paper`s format and the criteria of successful paper-writing. (also see my criteria for essay/paper evaluation). Choose your topic before November 17. Your final paper will be due in class on Wednesday, December 8 (If you want my feedback before you take your final exam, though, be sure to hand it in sooner rather than later). Don`t forget to send me a rough draft, email me with questions, or come to see me (by appointment or during my office hours) if you would like help. Your paper should be about 5-6 pages long. Make a cover sheet / header with your name. Do not forget to number your pages.

An electronic copy of your paper should be sent to me either as a MS Word attachment (this format is preferred) or in the body of the message.

 

NOTE: Some of these topics involve several authors. Do not consider yourself bound to discuss them all. Depending on your thesis, the attempt to bring all the authors in might lead to superficiality or incoherence.

 

1. Discuss the acetic as a teacher and a mentor.

 

2. Discuss phenomenology and ideology of holy foolishness as presented in at least 2 of our texts.

 

3. The Cynics as holy fools.

 

4. Discuss phenomenology and ideology of asceticism as presented in at least 2 of our texts.

 

5. Foolishness in Christ is the core of Christianity.

 

6. The holy fool and his forerunners.