In this first section of the course we've discussed some core definitions of democracy as practiced in Athens and as challenged by Sparta, and some modifications to these ideas suggested by Aristotle. The first thing you'll wish to do is review your notes about these... what are the chief democratic practices presented in our readings? What are the social purposes of a democratic form of government as the Athenians understood them? When you have a list of these, you'll want to review Frank Capra's film and see if you see any of these reflected in the visual images, the story line, and the dialogue. The degree to which you find these will provide evidence of the resemblance. The degree to which you see alternate ideas will provide evidence of difference. This evidence can be used to answer the question.

Writing about this:

Form: I do not require a title page, bibliography, or footnotes. If you make a direct quotation (don't use too many of these) you can use an informal body note for reference. After the reference place the source (title, page number) in parentheses.

Style: write using accepted standard English Practice. Everything you have learned or are learning in the writing courses at Roger Williams University applies here. At the end of your paper indicate which college level writing courses you have taken, and which, if any, you are taking currently.
 

You have lots of time for this assignment. Use it to the fullest. I'm available during office hours to discuss the assignment, or to critique a rough draft. You can also e-mail me at school (mrhs@alpha.rwu.edu) or home (mrhs@tiac.net).  IF you wish you can attach a word perfect or microsoft word file for comment. For Additional help contact the Writing Center in the Library or the Tutor for this course, Ms. Liz
Gooden.