COMPARE AND CONTRAST: NATURE

In the early works of the course, we see Nature presented in multiple ways. The elements, animals, and nature are mentioned by the Iroquois as they outline their political process; “nature” has a very different meaning to Jonathan Edwards—a Puritan discussing philosophical and religious living— in A Divine and Supernatural Light and Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God; later, American writers present nature when discussing their spiritual beliefs and how to go about living in the world.

In this assignment, you will compare and contrast the concept of “nature” from the earliest writings (The Iroquois League & the work of Jonathan Edwards) to the later American idea of nature found in the work of Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman.   

This assignment should reflect your understanding of the works you’ve chosen to discuss, and explain—based on research—how the earlier work influences the later pieces, and analyze how the literature reflected the culture of the time. Historical context is discussed in the textbook, and can be used as supporting material in your paper.

The final paper must include a thesis—this is a statement which you will be supporting throughout your paper.  You will make claims and provide evidence to show those claims are true.  Support your claims by citing research—quotes or ideas—from other authors.  When citing an author, it’s best to explain how the quote supports your original idea, present the quote, and then show how that quote advances your claims.  

This paper should focus on the ideas, beliefs, values, images, and writing of literature at hand, and in the context of the selected works.  Your personal life experiences should not be used as evidence in making your claims.  Keep your ideas rooted in the text.  For sources other than the primary works found in the textbook, it is recommended you turn to the Recommended Readings, all found in JSTOR Online Library.  Feel free to search for other articles in that database they are all credible and recognized for academic integrity.

Please write 6 pages double-spaced pages in length (excluding the title and reference page) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.

Please include a cover page that includes:

        Title of paper

        Student’s name

        Course name and number

        Instructor’s name

        Date submitted

Please include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.

    Please address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

    Please conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.

   Please use at least five professional resources, including a minimum of two from Ashford Online Library.

    Please use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.

    Please  include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.