History of Japan Edo Architecture Final Paper
The Assignment:
Using at least 3 primary sources and 3 secondary sources, ask and answer a question of personal interest about the History of Japan. Set yourself up for success by posing an answerable question. Be specific about the time frame. Be specific about the geography. Be specific about the subjects/historical actors Asking the question starts your research process. The answer is your thesis and is the start of the essay. Defending your thesis is the job of the remainder of the paper.
Historians make arguments.
What to NOT write in your essay:
“This paper will explore the role of the military in Japanese history.”
o Your research explored. Your paper argues.
“The role of women changed over time in Japan.”
o Of course. But how and why?
“Shinto played an important role in Japanese history.”
o Words like “important” and “interesting” are too broad and too vague to be analytically useful. Be precise. Be concrete. Define and defend your terms. Ask yourself: what do I mean by that word? Write that instead.
“Throughout history.”
o The paper must have a 1:1 relationship between its argument and evidence. What is the evidence you would need to prove a statement that begins like that? Is 10 pages enough space to substantiate that large a claim?
“In this paper I will argue”
o Don’t tell the reader what you are going to tell the reader. Make your argument. Defend your argument.
“It is first important to note.”
o Show the reader why it’s important to include certain information. Ask me questions. Show me drafts. Let me help!
Some questions to ask yourself:
– Does the thesis clearly state my argument?
– Does each body paragraph support my thesis?
– Do my topic sentences effectively introduce the main point of each paragraph?
– Do I have enough evidence within each body paragraph to make my point?
– Have I properly introduced, analyzed, and cited every quotation I use?
– Do I have transitions between paragraphs?
– Is my paper free of grammar and spelling errors?
An A or A- paper is one that is good enough to be read aloud in class. It is clearly written and well-organized. It demonstrates that the writer has conducted a close and critical reading of the text, grappled with the issues raised in the course, and formulated a perceptive, compelling, independent argument. The argument shows intellectual originality and creativity, is sensitive to historical context, and is supported by a well-chosen variety of specific examples.
A B+ or B paper demonstrates many aspects of A-level work but falls short of it in either the organization and clarity of its writing, or the formulation and presentation of its argument. Some papers in this category are solid works containing flashes of insight into issues raised in the text. Others give evidence of independent thought, but the argument is not presented clearly or convincingly
ONLY SOURCES ARE ATTACHED HERE ( make sure to use all of them
Assignment Instructions are attached
