FAMOUS TRIALS SPRING 2008
TOPICS FOR PAPER #2
You have a choice of topics for this paper. You may choose to write an analytical paper comparing Salem and South Africa, or the scholarly strategies used in the books we have read on those subjects. Alternately you may compare the conduct of prosecutors in the Oklahoma bookstore cases and in more recent child abuse trials.
Paper deadline: Friday March 7 at 4:00 P.M. Papers must be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced; saved as Word or text files; and submitted electronically like other assignments in the class.
Salem and South Africa
Three hundred years, thousands of miles and numerous other factors separate them, yet Salem Village in 1692 and Green Valley in the late 20th century have something in common: an upsurge in accusations of witchcraft. Write a paper of 3-6 pages comparing these two situations, making use of the assigned reading in the class. Or, if you prefer, compare the scholarly strategies of Boyer and Nissenbaum, on the one hand and Niehaus on the other.
When I read your paper, I will be concerned with (a) your knowledge of the two books, (b) the quality of your analysis, and (c) the professionalism of your presentation.
Prosecutors or Persecutors?
The books No Crueler Tyrannies and Books on Trial: Red Scare in the Heartland describe criminal trials that resulted in convictions of the defendants, but the trials themselves and the convictions became very controversial. Discuss the conduct of prosecutors in developing and presenting these cases. Were they simply conscientious public servants trying to do their jobs, or did they abuse the powers of their offices and undermine the quest for justice? Be specific in your discussion of particulars cases, strategies, words and actions. The paper should be between three and six pages in length. When I read your paper, I will be concerned with (a) your knowledge of the two books, (b) the quality of your analysis, and (c) the professionalism of your presentation.