Select two primary documents that we have read in the class up to this point (up to 9/30) that address a particular issue (for example, response to the West; critique of Confucianism and tradition, civil examinations, response to Marxism, Pan-Asianism). Read the documents carefully, paying particular attention to the language and structure of the document (see below). Start with an argument / thesis. In the body of your paper explain the context of the documents; explain the significance of the document; back up your argument with specific references from within the documents; and finally how the two documents speak to common concerns or offer conflicting perspectives. (3 page minimum; Times New Roman, double-spaced, Size 12 font, 1 inch margins)

How to Close Read:

When you close read, you observe facts and details about the text. You may focus on a particular passage, or on the text as a whole. Your aim may be to notice all striking features of the text, including rhetorical features, structural elements, cultural references; or, your aim may be to notice only selected features of the text—for instance, oppositions and correspondences, or particular historical references. Either way, making these observations constitutes the first step in the process of close reading.

The second step is interpreting your observations. What we’re basically talking about here is inductive reasoning: moving from the observation of particular facts and details to a conclusion, or interpretation, based on those observations. And, as with inductive reasoning, close reading requires careful gathering of data (your observations) and careful thinking about what these data add up to.

Argument (20 points):

Style / grammar / writing (10 points):

Content (70 points):

 

For citations, use the Chicago Style Manual. https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html