HSTAS 211, Spring 2003
History of Chinese Civilization

Assignments

First Paper Assignment

Due Friday, April 18th at the beginning of your section.

Topic:

In thinking about Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism during the Warring States Period, what did each of these philosophies argue should be the proper actions and responsibilities of a ruler? What were the implications then for society and the individual? Considering the political realities of the time period, do each of these philosophies seem equally convincing and applicable or would you argue some were more pertinent than others? Why? Be sure to include a thesis to present your argument, and support your paper with examples from primary sources in addition to your own notes and textbook.



Paper should not exceed three pages and should be double-spaced with twelve-inch font and standard margins. If you have any questions, please consult your Teaching Assistant.

Second Paper Assignment

Due Friday, May 9 at the beginning of your section

Compare the elites of TWO of these three dynasties: Tang, Song, and Yuan. First, briefly (one or two sentences) define who constituted the "elite" in each of the two you choose. Then, consider the ways in which elite status depended in one way or another on the government providing opportunities for advancement in that period. Besides serving in government, what else could educated men do to secure or raise their status in society?

Be sure to include a strong thesis in your paper and address both similarities and differences in your comparison. You should use the primary sources in the sourcebook as the evidence for your analysis and cite them explicitly. Do not make the paper purely descriptive. Be specific and analytical!

You may find helpful information in some of the following sources in the CCS. You are not expected to use all of them and you may use others if you find them relevant. Keep in mind that your main task is to argue from primary sources. Use the main text (Illustrated History) for basic facts but DO NOT quote or cite from it. Your quotations should come from the original passages (not the introductions) in the sourcebook (CCS).

Selection 30: The examination system
Selection 36: Rules for the Fan Lineage's Charitable Estate
Selection 39: Longing to Recover the North
Selection 40: Zhu Xi's Conversations with his Disciples
Selection 44: A Mongol Governor
Selection 45: A Schedule for Learning
Selection 46: A scholar-painter diary

Third Paper Assignment

Due Friday, May 30th at the beginning of your section.

During the last century, Western ideas have been profoundly influential in Chinese history, but they have almost always been modified by Chinese patterns of thought and behavior. In a 3-page paper, compare the role of foreign ideas in shaping Chinese thinking during TWO of the following periods.

a.1860-1895

b.1915-1935

c.1955-1975

The more specific you are in discussing the ideas and periods, the stronger your answer will be; that is, talk about specific Western ideas, how they have been received and/or modified by specific Chinese thinkers or groups,and how they then affected the thinking of those individuals or groups (or the whole culture?) in China. This question is intended to be broad enough for you to choose from many different examples, so be creative in choosing, but do not try to cover everything. Choose a few good examples and focus on HOW they played a role in shaping Chinese thinking.

The following selections (and/or others) may be helpful in preparing your essay:

Selection 73: Liang Qichao on his trip to America

Selection 74: Ridding China of Bad Customs

Selection 75: Rural education

Selection 76: My Old Home

Selection 77: The Spirit of the May Fourth Movement

Selection 78: The Haifeng Peasant Association

Selection 82: My Children

Selection 84: Generalissimo Jiang on National Identity