Term Paper
Instructions for writing the term paper (due Dec.4th)
Choose one of the following as the topic of your term paper:
·Wuwei(non-action)in Daoism(the Daodejing or/and Zhuangzi)
.Zhuangzi's butterfly dream
.Zhuangzi and relativism
.Guo Xiang's argument for lone transformation (independent transformation)
·The concept of no-self in Chinese Buddhism
.Fazang's rafter dialogue
.Fazang's and the golden lion
Here are the specifics:
1.The topics provided are quite general in scope.You must formulate a specific thesis under the topic you choose.You are encouraged to consult the instructor as well as the teaching assistants in formulating your thesis.
2.Unlike the short paper which is expository in nature,the term paper is argumentative.The paper should have a clearly defined thesis and an argument that supports it.The argument should be based on a correct or justified interpretation of the relevant texts.Since this is the longer paper,you should demonstrate how well you attend to the detailed reasoning,complexity and nuance in the original texts which support your argument
3.Since your discussion is based on your understanding of the primary texts,citation of the relevant primary texts from the Readings(RC and/or RL)is required for this assignment.The use of primary texts other than those from the Readings(such as different English translations of the Chinese texts)is not accepted,unless the alternative translation serves your interpretation better,which must be indicated in your paper(in the form of a footnote or endnote).
4.You may cite secondary sources to support your interpretation or argument.If you do,the secondary sources you cite must be from the course readings.
5.Do not quote,unless what you quote cannot be replaced by your own paraphrase or summary.Aquote should only be used to support your interpretation of some primary text that may be reasonably interpreted in some other way,or to support a particular point you make.Excessive citations are not acceptable and will be penalized,as they will give the impression that you are simply using them to fill the space or to meet the word count
6.Make sure all citations are indicated by both in-text citations and the references.If you include only references without corresponding in-text citations,this counts as an instance of plagiarism.
7.The length of the essay should be 1500 words at 12pt font,not including references and notes.Penalty may be imposed ifit is less than 1400 or more than 1600.The paper should be saved in Microsof Word or Rich Text Format(RTF).
8.The paper must be in APA style.Do not use other styles,such as Chicago or MLA.Check out the basic guidelines and documentation examples in the APA format provided by Purdue University at the following address:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research and citation/apa style/apa style introduction.htmTl here is a sample student paper at https://owlpurdue.edu/owl/research and citation/apa style/apa formatting_and style_guide/apa sample paper.html
9.Avoid any editing errors including spelling errors.There really is no excuse whatsoever for leaving in a spelling error which is highlighted for you by Microsoft Word's own built-in spell-checker.You are advised to use freeware such as Grammarly for editing purposes.
10.The paper should be submitted at“Assignments”ofQuercus before or on the due date.Essays sent to my e-mail address will be ignored,as it can cause confusion resulting in failing to count your assignments in.The“Assignments”folder will remain open until 11:59p.m ofthe 5 day after the due date.Papers submitted after the due date and before the closing date will only be accepted without penalty if accompanied by a documented medical excuse.Late penalties are set at 5%per day,including weekends and holidays.