Project description
East Asia to 1800

Dr. Michael McCarty

Second Paper (Due October 28)

Choose one of the following prompts. Write an essay of approximately 3-4 pages answering the
prompt. Please use 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Print out two copies of
your essay and bring them to class on Tuesday, October 28. NOTE: Please include a cover

page with your name on it, but make sure your name IS NOT on the actual pages of the
paper. Your essay will undergo a peer review with your fellow students

1) Evaluate the culture and society of early Korea. Some of the questions you can consider
are: How did Korean society differ from society in China and Japan? What was the role
of women in early Korea? How did early Korean states interact with China and/or the
barbarian groups in the north? Do you think Korea was more influenced by Confucianism
or by Buddhism? Structure your essay around a particular argument you want to make,
and then support it with references to the readings. The first paragraph of your essay

should contain a thesis statement specifying your argument.

2) Japan began with a Chinese-style state in the Asuka and Nara periods; however, there
were intriguing changes to Japan’s political model in the Heian and Kamakura periods.
Evaluate the different models of government in Japan and why they became so different
from the Chinese model. Some of the questions you can consider are: Why was the

Fujiwara clan so successful in governance? How did military rule change the nature of
Japan’s political structure? Do you think these changes created a more efficient system,
or less so? Do you agree with the writers of the Oct. 21 readings (Sources) who are

arguing for or against these new political arrangements? Whatelements do you find
interesting or paradoxical in Japan’s later development? Structure your essay around a

particular argument you want to make, and then support it with references to the readings.
The first paragraph of your essay should contain a thesis statement specifying your

argument.

The questions provided are merely suggestions, and are not meant to form a comprehensive list.
Use the readings to argue any thesis you find compelling. Your focus should be on interesting

content, clarity, and effective communication of your ideas. As such, avoid errors and
grammatical mistakes as much as possible so your ideas are clear and your thesis is convincing.
Let me know if you have any questions, and I am happy to talk about your ideas and look at

outlines/ draft during office hours (Tuesdays 3-4 PM and Thursdays 4-5 PM).

1. Use of Tense;
2. Pronouns;
3. Use Primary source rather than secondary source( Secondary source is what De bary said)
4 Avoid Casual Language.