HISTORY OF CHINA AND INDIA

SEMESTER I

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 2 TOPIC 1: THE HISTORY OF TWO CIVILIZATIONS - WEST VERSUS EAST We know much about the Ancient world from the fathers of history Sima Qian in China and Herodotus in Greece. Using the Stuurmans article (details below), and at least two other primary sources and one secondary source, compare and contrast the differences between the two historians. You may create a thesis, for example, that argues that Sima Qian and Herodotus historical methods are similar, or you may argue that their two civilizations are so diverse that there are few, if any, parallels in their historical narratives. The critical factor is that you MUST support the thesis you create with evidence.
Herodotus and Sima Qian: History and the Anthropological Turn in Ancient Greece and Han China Author(s): Siep Stuurman Source: Journal of World History, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Mar., 2008), pp. 1-40 Published by: University of HawaiI Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20079459 .

DETAILS: The paper will be 6 pages, and double-spaced. There must be an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph. You must have a thesis sentence in that introduction (it will be highlighted). Spelling and grammar count. Please use historical evidence, with citations, to support your essay, and use Chicago Manual of Style for citations. DEADLINE: Sunday, November 10th at 11.59pm on Turnitin.

HISTORY OF CHINA AND INDIA

SEMESTER I

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 2 TOPIC 2: SHORT COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAYS ON CHINA This paper consists of three essay questions, of which you are to choose and answer TWO. Each question requires 3 pages of typed, 12-point double spaced text, with a title page, numbered pages, citations and a full bibliography. The questions are based on the readings and in class lecture/discussion please utilize handouts, the Fairbank/Goldman and Chinese Civilization Sourcebook, and lecture notes to frame your answers. You are welcome to utilize outside sources, but please cite the sources fully using Chicago Manual of Style. (I) We have discussed several religions/philosophies since our course began. Compare and contrast two. How did each begin and how was it spread in East Asia? Who are key figures in its history? What are the basic tenets or teachings of the religion? Did it clash with other religions and if so, why? (II) We have discussed Chinese culture (or forms of creative expression such as art, literature, music and architecture) throughout the course. Discuss three achievements in terms of culture; one from each of the following periods: ancient; classical and modern. Discuss the impact of these forms of creative expression on society. (III) We have discussed several empires/dynasties since our course began. Compare and contrast two East Asian empires/dynasties. What are the economic, social, military and political differences between each empire? What are the similarities? Consider domestic and global differences. In all cases, be sure to discuss not only dates, places and events but also intellectuals and ideologies of the era. DEADLINE: Sunday, November 10th at 11.59pm on Turnitin.