Instruction
I) Detailed version:
1) Topic: Economic, scientific, and technological development in China. The topic is to write about the development of the economy, science, and technology in China. Please include (as you see appropriate) the historical background, political system, economic system, science and technology, culture, and ideology. All the previous reading and writing assignments are in preparation for the term paper. This paper should allow you to incorporate all the materials assigned in the course, and to use your written summaries to help you write your paper. I will NOT accept papers on any other topic without prior permission. That is, in exceptional circumstances, I may consider a proposal from a student to write on another topic, requiring that you MUST (1) first submit the proposal well in advance of the paper due date, and (2) receive written permission from me.
2) Format: Ten-page (double-spaced) critical essay with thesis, supporting arguments, supporting evidence, and conclusion.
3) Sources: Use assigned readings ONLY: I will NOT accept a paper using sources not assigned in class. Your paper must make good use of the readings assigned in class. Use ONLY reading materials assigned in the class. In particular, please do NOT use webpages you find on the internet. Again, in exceptional circumstances, I may consider allowing a student to use sources not assigned in class, requiring that you MUST (1) submit a request to use other sources well in advance of the paper due date, (2) make a persuasive argument for using the sources, and (3) receive written permission from me.
4) Style: I do not require that you follow any particular style (e.g., Chicago/Turabian, etc.). Please use shortened citations. For example, “(Naughton, Chinese Economy, p. 185)” is all you need to write. Please do not use footnotes. You may use any style that you are familiar with, including Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, APA, etc. Your grade will be based on the content of the paper, not the citation style.
5) Plagiarism: if you plagiarize you will NOT pass this course. Please make sure that no part of your paper is plagiarized. Please make sure to properly cite all your sources and use quotation marks.
The following is the rubric for grading your papers:
A: This paper presents (i) a well-formulated thesis, (ii) clear supporting arguments (which serve as the topic sentences for the individual paragraphs), (iii) persuasive evidence for each supporting argument (which constitutes the body of the individual paragraphs), and (iv) a conclusion which synthesizes the central arguments.
B: This paper has specific defects, including the thesis statement, supporting arguments, evidence provided, or numerous mistakes in grammar or spelling.
C: Although it may be well-written, this paper is primarily summary, without a clear thesis, supporting arguments, or conclusion. It is often the result of inadequate preparation, ignoring the stated requirements of this paper, and written hurriedly at the last moment.
D: In addition to lacking a thesis, supporting arguments, and evidence, paper has further defects, including numerous errors in grammar and spelling, highly informal or inappropriate writing. It has often been written in extreme haste in hopes of minimally satisfying the assignment; tricks are often used to reach the required number of pages, including lengthy quotations, and large fonts, margins, and spaces between paragraphs.