history paper for first-class writer

The third paper will be based on a book in the list at the end of the syllabus.  These works are generally works of literature, with some concerned with philosophy or politics.  The student’s task will be to show how the chosen work reflects or shows the influence of conditions and events in Europe that were operating at the time of the writing of the work.  This is not a book report.  I am not interested in plots or descriptions of the general argument of a given work. Instead, I am looking for an analysis of specific sections of the chosen work that may illuminate social and economic attitudes or contemporaneous conditions.

The paper should be 7-8 pages long.

You will be expected to give a 5-10 minute oral report based on your finding in the third paper.  This oral report will be a significant part of your class participation grade.