Confessions Homework

Note Well for ALL Homework assignments:
All work must be done NEATLY, legibly.
Scratchouts are not allowed.
Do not turn in papers with frayed edges.
NEVER do homework during class: it will not be counted.
All homework must be done on a computer or typewriter, unless otherwise indicated.
Unless indicated otherwise, homework should be about 1.5 pages in length, double-spaced.
When doing research on the internet, you must give your source(s).
FIVE POINTS will be subtracted for each day homework is not turned in when due.  Since a maximum of TWENTY points is given to each homework, if the paper is not turned in after four days,
  NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
 

Due Monday, 10/19/09:
Read "Readers Digest" article.  List five points that impressed you most and state why you chose these.  This homework may be done in pen.  It should be about 3/4 page in length.

Due Wednesday, 10/21/09: [one page]
Summarize the Introduction in Augustine's Confessions, pages 11-16.  
Five students will have a special assignment and will not be required to do the above assignment.

Due Monday, 10/26/09: [one page]
Read Confessions, Bk. 1, 6-11 and answer the following questions:
1. Why is it important for Augustine to write about his infancy? [1, 6-7]
2. What are some "games" that "adults "play" today [not sports!]? [1, 9]
3. What is Augustine's principal argument against delaying baptism? [1, 11]

Due  Thursday, 10/29/09: [Begin doing homework on computer, double spaced, at least 1.5 pages]
Answer the following questions concerning the "Pear Tree Incident":
1. What does Augustine see as the motive for this theft: a) when he was a youth?  b) now as a bishop?
2. Why does this incident still bother him after 27 years?
3. What was the role of friendship in this affair?


Monday, 11/2/09:
Test #1: introduction to Augustine, his times, and Books 1 and 2.

Due Wednesday: 11/4/09
Answer the following questions:
1. Who were the Manichees?
2. What were their main teachings?
3. Why did Augustine join them?
Use the internet to answer the first two questions; read Book 3,6 for the third question.
Remember: always give sources used on internet.
 
Due Monday 11/9/09
The Death of Augustine's Friend:
1. Describe Augustine's reaction to his friend's death.
2. What was his own view of death at that time?
3. What was his view of friendship: as a youth? and as a bishop?  How did this view change? 

Monday, 11/16/09
Test #2.  
This will include Books 3,4, and Book 5, chapters 1-8. 

Due Friday, 11/20/09
Paper on Neoplatonism: [Use the internet for the first two questions]
Who were the Neoplatonists and what were their origins?
What were their main teachings?
How did Neoplatonism influence Augustine? [Bk.7, 17-18, 20-21] 
 
Due Friday 12/4/09 
[You may not use the internet for this assignment]

 Students are to write a paper on St. Monica, as seen by Augustine in the Confessions.
This paper will be at least three pages in length, typed, double-spaced.
This paper will be worth 50 points
Augustine speaks about his mother at some length throughout the first nine books of the Confessions.
In this paper you should blend together creatively what you find and properly cite passages you wish to quote.  In this way you will deal with Monica's
youth, early married life; Patritius' infidelity and her response; her weaknesses and characteristics; the mystical experience of Ostia; her final wishes.
This material can be found chiefly in: Book 2,3; Book 3, 11-12; Book 5, 8;  Book 6, 1-2;  Book 9, 8-11 [This Book 9 is very important, but does not give the total picture!] 

 
Monday, 12/7/09
Test #3  Books 5,8 to 9 [inclusive]


Due Thursday, 12/10/09 [Final Exam]
[You may not use the internet for this Assignment]
            For your final exam you must write an essay of at least three pages in length [typed and double-spaced] on 
Augustine's character, as it is revealed to us in the first nine books of the Confessions
  In other words, what are his strengths and weaknesses, how does he relate with God and others
what growth does his character show in these first nine books, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, etc....
Can you personally identify with any of Augustine's strengths and/or weaknesses?  
Be creative!! Use cites from the Confessions to indicate the general area from which you take your information. 
  [100 points].  

Friday, 12/11/09
This is a supplement to your Augustine paper and is part of your final exam.
You will be expected to answer the following questions in front of the class and turn in a synthesis of your answers.   You will have three minutes to make your presentation. [20 points added to written final] 

1) What is one of the most meaningful parts of Augustine's story for you? [Cite it and give Book & Chapter]
2) Explain clearly why you have chosen this particular part.
3) How does this part help to show Augustine's growth or character?
4) Do you think Augustine's story is meaningful for young people today?  Why or Why Not?