I. Overview

We have spent the last few months reading books from the Canon and discussing their status as “Great Books.” We’ve recently read some critical opinions on the role of the Great Books and discussed these in class. Now it's time to articulate your own opinion on this essential question of our course:

• What, in your opinion, should be the role of the Great Books in (Four Rivers) education?

You will answer this essential question through a position paper that explains your opinion and offers supporting evidence. You may reference our survey results, the literary critics, and/or your own personal experience, but you should make a strong case for your opinion. Your audience is the school administration.

II. Course Standards

This paper is a large contributor to the following standards:

• Students analyze the role of studying literature in education.
• Students can craft high-quality compositions that effectively utilize the 6+1 writing traits.