is divided into two parts: a short essay and two critical essays. For the question in Part I you should write a short response, approximately 300 words. For Part II, the essays should be more substantial and be approximately 750 words each. Questions in part I and part II require references to class readings and full citations.

Part I

1. What challenges do writers face when writing about issues of sexual identity in the historical past? Use writings by Judith Bennett and Judith Brown to answer this question.

Part II

2. Sister Benedetta Carlini transgressed many boundaries of identity, according to Judith Brown. Identify and describe the key ways that Benedetta either embraced or challenged cultural expectations surrounding Renaissance women. Finally, discuss what the two inquiries into her behavior show us about Benedetta and the time during which she lived.

3. In Twelfth Night (written circa 1601-2) William Shakespeare plays with the concept of mistaken identity in a fictional setting with fictional characters. What does this play demonstrate about notions of gender and identity in Shakespeare’s time (how are different conceptualizations of identity represented by the characters in the play)?

The point of an essay exam is to do the following:

• Show you understand concepts that provide the basis for the course
• Show you can use those concepts to interpret specific materials
• Show you can make connections, see relationships, draw comparisons and contrasts
• Show you can synthesize diverse information in support of an original assertion
• Show you can justify your own evaluations based on appropriate criteria
• Show you can procure relevant secondary evidence to support your claims
• Show you can argue your own opinions with convincing evidence
• Show you can think critically and analytically about a subject[1]

Your exams will be graded according to the following criteria:

Introduction and Thesis Statement-20%

“Roadmap” Must tell me what you’re discussing in the essay. Your thesis statement

should be a clear, concise statement responding to the exam question.

Evidence-30%

Evidence in the form of quotes, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Citations-10%

Correct and consistent citations (MLA or Chicago/Turabian) of ALL materials used (both

paraphrasing and direct quotes)

Conclusion-10%

Tells the reader what you’ve argued and how you’ve proven your point

Accuracy, Organization and Style-30%

Demonstration of command of arguments and evidence. Arguments supported

by evidence. Avoidance of sweeping claims and generalizations. Good grammar and

style.

Please submit all three essays in one document/file via Moodle/Turn it In by 11:59 PM on Monday, 16 April. The essays must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman Font with one-inch margins.

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[1] http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/essay-exams.html. ; If you have further questions about essay exams, check out this resource put together by the University of North Carolina.