Topic One:

"Friedrich Nietzsche: Declaring God Dead"

An important philosopher in the last half of the 19th Century, Friedrich Nietzsche lived his short life almost literally within the boundaries of that era. His views on religion and society were controversial in his day but are still relevant in modern times. I would like to compare and contrast his work with other contemporary thinkers (Darwin, Freud) and show that Nietzsche was a major influence on later philosophy.

Topic Two:

"The Evolution of Evolution"

Charles Darwin's publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859 was a landmark achievement of scientific observation and reasoning. Although considered heretical by some religious leaders of the time, it has continued to stand and be reinforced as a valid theory of how such a variety of organisms arose on the planet. For the paper, the focus would be on how the concept developed, how it has been affirmed scientifically, and how tenacious some people are, even in modern times, in their fear and refutation of it.

Topic Three:

"Waltz of the Powers"

Music has often been one of the most visceral ways to get a feel for a particular culture and/or time in history. Can one discern the subtleties within a work of music that make it French, German, British, or Italian, (etc.)? What makes a composition Classical as opposed to Romantic; Baroque instead of Renaissance? And how can music be used politically? The paper would focus on these and other questions, tying it all together with the idea that music and history are inseparable.

 Professor Dwyer's comment:

"Mark, I am not a great musician but find, of course, the third topic the most original and intriguing and it seems that you like the topic, too. Could you narrow it down to maybe two eras and / or only focus on the political exploitations of music, it sounds fascinating. My husband is indeed a composer and he might be a great source for me to consult should you go with the third topic. Topic one is very popular and I rather would like to see you go with either number 3 (it's good if it comes easily) or number 2 since it offers a good platform for a politically charged discussion (not polemical however but sticking to researched facts) in form of a 'debate' paper, maybe? Please let me know which one you chose! I look forward reading your paper already".