Assignment #3: What is Happiness?

Assignment #3: What is happiness?
Final draft due: Nov. 24, 2008
Length: 1,000 words

Assignment Goal and Purpose:
For this assignment you are writing an essay that defines happiness. Using at least four sources, as well as your own input, explain what it means to be happy. Make sure you are specific in all areas of the paper. You might want to address these points:

1) Is happiness an emotion? A state of mind? A physical state of being? (i.e. what is happiness' medium?)
2) What kinds of things help someone to be happy? What kinds of things hinder one's happiness?
3) How is happiness defined?
4) Distinguish between closely related terms (i.e. happiness, joy, pleasure, comfort, enjoyment, peace, etc.)
5) What are others' conception of happiness? Why are they wrong?
6) What are the qualities of happiness? Is it fleeting or stagnant? Is it powerful or weak? Does one have to depend on anything external for happiness, or can it be attained only through the activities of the mind?

A successful paper will:
1.) Have well-supported and well-developed ideas.
2.) Be clear, focused, and unified.
3.) Successfully cite material from at least four sources. Three of these can be from your textbook. Your other source must be from an article, book, or a reliable Web site (see me if you don't know what reliable means).
4.) Use an engaging and appropriate style.
5.) Have a strong, clear thesis statement. This will be your definition of happiness.
6.) Anticipate and respond to objections others will make to your argument.
7.) Progress from idea to idea in a logical manner (use "link backs").
8.) Have very few errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
9.) Not go off topic. For example, your paper should not be about demographics and what kinds of people are more likely to be happy.
10.) Have proper MLA citations and a works cited page.

Essay Structure and Organization: You are free to take risks in this area. My only requirement is that you do not use the five-paragraph formula. Also, your opening and closing paragraphs should function as such.

*Please email me or see me after class if you have questions or need advice.
*If you do not hand this in on time, I might not have it graded before the semester ends.