Assignemnt: History 2603E "China: Tradition and Transformation" (2017-18)
First Term Research Paper (Due Friday, October 27, 2017)
The papers should be critical analyzes of issues suggested by lectures and readings. Some additional research will be expected, and use of primary source materials is especially encouraged. The paper is to be between 2,500-3,000 words (10-12 typed double space pages) in length and is to be based on a minimum of eight sources. Do not use general material such as textbooks, internet sources and encyclopedia entries.
Your paper is an exercise in communication. It must be easily understandable, which means properly written, correctly spelled and logically organized. If you are in any doubt about any of these issues, consult Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History (Bedford/St. Martins, 8th ed.) and Huron History Department's Guide to Footnotes and Bibliography (Hist. 2603E course syllabus, pp. 8-10). Be aware that a spell-checker is no substitute for thorough proof-reading. Please number the pages of your paper to make it easier for the instructor to comment on them.
Submit the hard copy of your paper at the beginning of class and soft copy to the turnitin.com via OWL (https://owl.uwo.ca) on the due date. Email submission will not be accepted. In determining what day a late essay was handed in the instructor will use the date stamped upon the essay by the operator of the essay box near A15, which typically closes at 3:45 pm.
Suggested paper topics
1. Discuss the influence of the Dynastic Cycle/Mandate of Heaven on the writing of Chinese history.
2. Was Xia a real dynasty?
3. Was Shang a state?
4. Why did so many important Chinese political and religious philosophies come out of the Warring States period? Does this change our understanding and interpretation of this period?
5. How has the portrayal of the first Qin Emperor changed in the writing of Chinese history? Why?
6. Is Buddhism a "Chinese" religion? Why or why not?
7. How has Empress Wu been written about in Chinese history. Has this interpretation changed? Why?
8. Discuss the foreign influences upon the Tang Dynasty. Why did perceptions of things foreign change during the Tang?
9. Why do we see a return to the "Chinese" classical tradition during the Tang? What is its significance?
10. Did the Song Dynasty stagnate?
11. What was the Chinese Renaissance of the Song? Why is it significant?
12. How has the position of women changed from the Han to Song? Why?
13. Why was Buddhism repressed? What is the significance of this repression?
14. How has archeology changed our views of Chinese history?
15. Discuss traditional Chinese diplomacy. What does it tell us about how Chinese saw the outside world? Are there exceptions?
16. Why do we see the creation of the centralized state? What needs does it fulfill?
17. Discuss how merchants are seen during the early dynasties.
18. What were the sources of the traditional Chinese law?