TOPICS+FOR+PAPER+2

**The Century of the Gene** **DUE Thursday, March 29** **EMAIL AND BRING HARD COPY TO CLASS** Write a 3-5 page paper (typed, double-spaced) on ONE of the following topics. Your paper will be evaluated on mechanics (spelling, grammar, overall structural soundness) as well as content. You do not have to have “the answer” to everything; a well-framed, detailed essay that explores possible answers to a question (or questions) can be just as strong as a forcefully argued position. In any case, your essay should be grounded in the readings, lectures, and discussions, using the course materials for quotes and more general substantiation and enrichment to your arguments and/or questions. A simple parenthetical reference – e.g., (Paul, 92) – will suffice for any readings from the syllabus which you cite; if you cite anything else (and you don’t need to), please give the full reference at the end as well. 1. James D. Watson got the nickname “Honest Jim,” mostly as a result of his writing of // The Double Helix //. Based on some of the reviews of that text, the movie version of it, and material from the Maddox book, discuss both the truths and the ironies of that nickname. 2. It is alt-1962 and Rosalind Franklin is alive, working once again in Paris. The Nobel Committee is asking you for a recommendation for 1, 2, or 3 (the maximum) to share this year's prize. Would you recommend Rosalind Franklin, or not? What are your reasons? 3. Write a review of // Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA //. What are its strongest aspects? What does it leave you wanting more of? Did it change your understanding of or perspective on the events surrounding the elucidation of the structure of DNA? What does it say about what it means to be a scientist, and what kind of pursuit science is? 4. Start a review (or continue one if you already started) of Mawer’s // Mendel’s Dwarf //. Who are the characters that Mawer has created, and why are they interesting? Can you pick out some of the themes or ideas that you think will be interesting to see developed in the remainder of the book? What are some of the techniques used by Mawer in his novel, and what are their effects? What kind of picture do you get of genetics and geneticists? 5. Formulate a question of your own and respond to it. Your essay will still need to be grounded in the readings, making use of quotes and detail as necessary for fine-grained historical analysis.
 * Topics for Paper #2**