Ten Theses

When Martin Luther wrote and posted his Ninety-five Theses, he was asking to have his points considered, talked about, and even debated. He was facing issues he felt were wrong or based on false assumptions. He thought that an institution he held dear—the Church—was going down the wrong path, and he hoped to correct it.

We want you to write your own Ten Theses document addressing the Powers at Dartmouth College. What issue would you like to see addressed to better your beloved institution? If you wanted to start an open debate, what ten points concerning that issue would you wish to place on a debate schedule?

Begin by reading Luther’s Ninety-five Theses. 

• What sort of issues is he highlighting?
• Are they systemic, institutional, personal, etc.?
• How does he formulate them?
• What sort of evidence or lead-in does he provide?

Formulate your ten theses in a similar fashion, demonstrating that you understand the original document. Put your ten theses on page 1 and format them as you wish. On page 2 (and 3, if needed), write an explanation of your choices, always keeping Luther—as well as Dartmouth—in mind.

Our goal with this exercise is to make you think about: 1) what kinds of issues where deemed important enough to be addressed by Luther, and 2) what kinds of arguments are important enough in any world to put your life or reputation at stake.

2–3 pages, 12-point font.