Term Paper Topics
Choice A:
The Argument of Mere Christianity and The Abolition of Man.
In this paper, compare and contrast Mere Christianity (Books 1 and 2) and The Abolition of Man. It is suggested that you divide the paper as such: Synopsis & Analysis of MC, Synopsis & Analysis of AM, Comparison and contrast of the works
The Synopsis & Analysis MC
Summarize the overall argument of Book 1 and then of Book 2 of Mere Christianity. Here you will want to consider:
- What are the main arguments underpinning Lewis’s reasoning in these respective sections? Can certain principles that Lewis relies upon for an overall argument be identified? Is there an overall arc and coherence in his logic, or is he just speaking about various topics that are only loosely related?
- What are the strongest points made? Here you may consider highlighting the most illuminating analogies.
- What are weaknesses with his line of thought? Does Lewis overstate his case? Does he make any logical errors?
The Synopsis & Analysis AM
Summarize the overall argument of The Abolition of Man. Here you will want to consider:
- What are the main arguments underpinning Lewis’s reasoning in each respective section? Can certain principles that Lewis relies upon for an overall argument be identified? Is there an overall arc and coherence in his logic, or is he just speaking about various topics that are only loosely related?
- What are the strongest points made? Here you may consider highlighting the most illuminating analogies.
- What are weaknesses with his line of thought? Does Lewis overstate his case? Does he make any logical errors?
Comparison & contrast
Compare and contrast the works.
- Beyond the obvious differences in genre, (one is based on radio broadcasts, the other lectures based on a book review), what are the major differences in these works? Is Lewis logically consistent between the works?
- In what sense are these two works fundamentally related (or are they?)? How do they complement each other? How can they be viewed in light of Lewis’s critique of the philosophical undercurrents in his society? Are they still relevant today? Explain.
Choice B:
The Past, the Present, and the Future: STL and MC
In C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, Screwtape argues that man best serves his Creator when he concentrates on the present and on eternity, but that focusing on the future is always to the advantage of the Father Below. Why does he say this? Do you agree with his argument? Why or why not? Incorporate elements from Mere Christianity regarding creation, the present, and eternity into your answer.
Choice C:
Movie / Novel Comparison
Select one of the contemporary cinematographic renditions of The Chronicles of Narnia: a) The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) b) Prince Caspian (2008) c) Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
And answer ONLY ONE of the following questions.
Plot development: has the narrative arc been altered; if so, to what end? Here you might consider omissions, additions, re-arrangement of material, and so forth. In your conclusion may wish to assess the faithfulness (or lackthereof) to the original text, and consider whether or not the film rendition succeeds in bringing the written text to life.
Assessing Character: pick a particular character or a group of characters (such as the dwarves). Briefly sketch the character(s) as described by Lewis. Analyze how they are re-presented in the film. Consider in particular: is this essentially the same character or has the director created something altogether different here? Given the limits of the medium of film, does the cinematographic version a succeed in animating this character(s)?
Scene critic: Given what Lewis has said about literature and its aims, can the film really re-present the text without jeopardizing Lewis’s purpose in writing the book? Here you can pick either the affirmative or negative position. Begin by briefly discussing Lewis’s thoughts on fantasy literature and myth. Then focus on a few pertinent scenes from the film and assess whether or not they capture the thrust of the text. You may even include a prediction on how Lewis may have reacted to these scenes as you conclude the paper.
Choice D:
The Inklings: Creation in Tolkien and Lewis
Without Tolkien, it is likely that Lewis would not have come to the Christian faith when he did. Without Lewis, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings may never have been published. Briefly discuss the interdependence of these authors and how they influenced one another before assessing the creation stories of Tolkien and Lewis. Consider particularly the Ainulindalë and the act of creation in The Silmarillion and in The Magician’s Nephew. How do these differ? In what ways are they similar? Finally, what insights can be garnered regarding how these respective visions of creation influence how we now view the world?
Choice E:
Aslan Rocks
C.S. Lewis wrote in an eclectic range of genres. Lewis also inspired other artists captivated by his imaginative works. Switchfoot front man, Jon Foreman, makes the following comments regarding his song “This is Home” made for the song track to the movie version of Prince Caspian.This is a song for me that was inspired by [Lewis who] wrote a book called Prince Caspian, that they turned into a movie and we wrote a song for that. But I tried to remember what it was like when I was a kid when my dad used to read me these stories—writing from that perspective. So just in this next song, we’re all 13, or 12, maybe 9 years old.
Select a Switchfoot song, [This is Home or Where We Belong would work well] and a) provide a brief analysis and summary of the lyrics; b) explain how the song connects to Lewisian themes studied this term whether from Narnia or other works, and c) evaluate Foreman’s assertion. (i.e. is this song consonant with Lewisian themes, does it do justice to Lewis’ thought, or is it only loosely related, if at all).
Term Paper Guideline & Rubric
Essays are to be 5-6 pages in length and must be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman and double-spaced.
Citations and bibliography must adhere to a standard citation style. The Chicago style as well as APA or MLA are consider acceptable.
Title page and bibliography do not count towards page-count.
Papers will be graded on the basis of Understanding and Organization, Supporting Evidence, Effective Use of Resources, and Conventions (see rubric below).
Two or more secondary sources should be referenced in the work. Ensure sources are academic (i.e. from a scholarly source or peer-reviewed published author).
Do not email your submission. Please submit it below.
Early submissions are acceptable.
Please submit the work in .doc or docx. or in a Word compatible format. If you use google docs, please download the file as a in word compatible format as such:
- Name the file “Last Name_First Name_242 format. For instance, “Lewis_Jack_242.doc
The grading rubric below will be used for the Term Paper and is out of 24. The weighting of the Term Paper for your overall grade is 30%.
