INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH (175-250 wоrds) Yоur intrоduction should try to аccomplish the following: Briefly introduce Byzаntine icons аnd their historical/religious significance in Byzantine culture Acknowledge that you will be examining whether a modern image could function as a Byzantine icon Identify the modern image you will analyze: the photograph/portrait of Steven Biko (you can briefly identify who he was—South African anti-apartheid activist--or you can note that you will fill in the specifics later or leave a space where you add this information) End with a thesis that indicates: -Your preliminary understanding of what defines a Byzantine icon (based on the sources) Your initial position on whether the Biko image would be considered a Byzantine icon if it had been created during the Byzantine period A brief indication of the criteria you will use to make this determination (this will be refined in your final draft) Note: In this introduction, you are setting up your argument but NOT YET analyzing the Biko image in detail. That analysis will come in Part 2. Here, you are demonstrating that you understand what Byzantine icons are and establishing the question your essay will explore.
BODY PARAGRAPH ONE: The Functiоn аnd Nаture оf Byzаntine Icоns (250 - 300 words) This paragraph should develop your reader's understanding of what Byzantine icons are and how they function. Include: Topic Sentence: A clear statement that introduces what Byzantine icons are and their significance Definition and Purpose: What are Byzantine icons? How are they used in Byzantine religious practice? What is their purpose? Icon and Prototype Relationship: How do icons relate to the holy figures they depict? What is the connection between the image and the divine person it represents? (Kartsonis will be especially helpful here) Theological Significance: Why do icons matter in Byzantine Christianity? What makes them different from mere decorative images? Textual Evidence: Include at least 2-3 direct quotations from the Kartsonis article and/or the Orthodox position source, citing properly (Author page#) or (shortened source title page#) Quote Analysis: After each quotation, explain what it means in your own words and why it's significant to understanding icons. Never leave a quote to "speak for itself" Tip: Write in your own words to demonstrate understanding—don't just string quotes together. Show that you comprehend how icons functioned in Byzantine religious life.