Overall the course theme will be "The Meaning of Life". In order to have any idea what this means one has to understand their own place and importance in relation to the world around them. This theme will be developed through careful examination of self in the narrative essay through focus on the minute details of description and reflection.
The Comparison essay will allow us to see how other perspectives differ from our own. We will explore different ways of developing a comparison and the different outcomes such an approach can offer.
The Definition essay will probe the question: Where does meaning come from? This assignment will clearly show us that "truth" or "meaning" is relative and that we create our own context for interacting with the world.
The Argument essay will then give us the opportunity to assert our own version of the truth in relation to the events going on around us.
Clearly this does not provide us with a clear and final verdict regarding the meaning of life but it does provide us with the tools we need to continue probing, asking questions and answering them on our own. Because regardless of how great we are at math, science, history or any other subject real meaning in life comes about from placing that knowledge in the proper context and relation to our selves, our community and the world.
"Great ambition and conquest without contribution is without significance."
