This is an Asian Studies course, it is about “Fiction and Film from Modern Taiwan”
Please read ” Paperboy” by Yang Kui (1932)
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE:
In this paper you should share your own unique argument about a discrete and significant pattern.
Unlike the online posts, papers must be in the form of an academic essay. Each paper must, at a minimum, include the following elements:
A) A thesis, defined as an argument that goes beyond summary description to identify a
significant issue or problem raised by the text, propose an answer, and explain the
reasoning behind that answer. The goal of this paper is to persuade, and your argument
(thesis) must appear in the introductory paragraph.
B) Evidence to support your argument drawn from the literary text and the relevant
secondary source(s), if any, listed for that week. To cite a direct quote from a text, just
put the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence; e.g.: [QUOTE] (13).
C) A logical structure of argumentation. At every line and in every paragraph, your
reader should know where your paper is going.
DO: Get straight to the point. A good opening line might begin with This paper argues that and then, in that one sentence, sum up what the paper is trying to say. Your next line or two should explain why the issue you bring up might be a matter of debate. Pick something that is neither too obvious nor too far-fetched (something that would be hard to prove). Then map out, briefly, how you will
make your argument in the body paragraphs.
Be clear. Each sentence and paragraph should have a purpose. Read your paper over after you finish the first draft and revise anything that seems not to make sense. Mark transitions clearly.
Explain your criteria for judgment: Define the key terms you are using to evaluate the work.
Cite examples from the text to support your argument. Direct quotes, followed by analysis, are best. You only have 4 pages, so choose no more than 2-3 examples that you think really prove your point, and explain why they do.
Conclude. Your final paragraph should reiterate your main argument and remind your reader why it is significant and plausible.
This is an analytical and persuasive paper, not a research paper, so
the only source you will need to write it is the primary literary text. You do not need to
use secondary sources. I am most interested in your ability to formulate and articulate an
argument of your own, supported by textual evidence, that answers an interesting and
relevant question about the literary work.