Paper #3 Topics

This paper is a three-page or 1000 word personal essay on one of the following topics.

1. Writing a Wrong. Write a three page essay in which you react to an issue or situation at Proctor that you believe needs to be re-evaluated, fixed or was handled poorly. This may be a rule from the Green Book, an inter-personal situation, or an administrative decision. The key to this paper is to develop a clear stance, to look at all sides of the issue and to suggest some concrete strategies or steps that to remedy the situation or to ensure it doesn’t happen again.


2. Journal Paper. This paper will be comprised of 4 – 6 journal entries. These entries should be written “in the field” and then brought back indoors, typed up, and edited.

The purpose of this paper is to combine close observation of our natural world with some reflections on your world. The goal is to observe and describe some of the natural world around the Proctor campus while mirroring Thoreau’s journals.

- record any observations of nature
- write how you or people "should" live to improve their lives – reflections on society
- explore what happens to you & your thoughts when you slow down
- digress and let your mind wander

Requirements: You need to include FOUR specific elements of nature in DETAIL. This might be the wind, the light, a type of bug, the look of a group of trees, the signs of autumn, a close up description of a spot in the woods. This shows your ability to “see” closely. Use sensory details. Also, include FOUR thoughts on society, your life, human nature.


3. Speech Topics. You may also choose to do a paper on either speech question #1 (“What is Education For?) or #2 (A Paradox). Please do not “double up” and write the paper on the same topic you are giving a speech on.