5-page paper on Japanese Modern Architecture

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT

Dates to remember

Research topics & questions due (2%): Monday, October 28

Rough drafts due (4%): Monday, November 11

Final paper due (15%): Monday, November 25

Paper rewrites due: Monday, December 9

Length: 5-8 page paper

For this assignment, choose and research a topic of your choice that relates

to “Asian Art” or topics we’ve discussed in class. This is your opportunity to probe

into what interests you—it could be an in depth analysis of your favorite anime, a

comparison of two narrative paintings, someone who complicates the boundaries

of “Asian Art,” representations of a particular Hindu deity over time, the history of

the Japanese woodblock print, an explanation of Chinese hanging scroll

restoration, etc. I encourage you to come up with your own topic, but I will also

provide a list of examples for those who feel stuck. Topics and research

questions are due in class on Monday, October 28.

When you are researching, keep in mind that it is fine to use internet and

popular sources, but that they should not be your only sources. Feel free to draw on

readings from class, but also check the library, periodicals, and online journals. If

you need help finding sources, I would be happy to point you in the right direction.

If you would like to interview someone (i.e. a curator of Asian Art or someone

involved in Asian art restoration), I’d also be happy to help connect you however I

can. If you choose to write about an art object, keep in mind that the actual piece of

art is often the most important source. This means spending time looking at what

you’re talking about and thinking about the choices that were made in creating it--

why were these choices and the piece itself made? I recommend aiming for 3-8

sources, but check in with me if you have any questions about this.

This is a 5-8 page paper. Keep in mind that 5-8 pages does not mean 4

pages with one line on the 5th page, or 4.5 pages with a header a half page long.

This length is required to allow sufficient depth to your paper in order to achieve

the points on the grading rubric below. Your bibliography (which is required) is

not included in the page count. Paper rewrites will be accepted until the last day of

class and can increase your original paper grade.

Use the Student Success Center and Writing Studio as resources!

POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS

• Compare and contrast the Ajanta and Dunhuang cave temples

• Depictions of the Ramayana

• Japanese woodblock prints

• Representations of the Buddha

• The sculpture of one geographical area

• An analysis of a specific manga

• An analysis of a specific anime

• Depictions of the Buddhist Pure Land

• The Hungry Ghost or Hell Scrolls

• Orientalism

• A specific angle on Buddhist meditation and art

• Comparison of Shinto shrines and Buddhist Temples

• Come talk to me or look through some of the books in the library for ideas

• Choose an artist you like and explore his or her work

• Choose a movement or genre to explore.

• Something that interests you!!!!

Independent Research Project - Grading Rubric

Topic and Research Question due: Monday, October 28 Rough draft due: Monday, November 11 Final papers due: Monday, November 25 Paper rewrites due: Monday, December 9

Topic and Research Question

2 points

Topic

1 point

Research Question(s)

1 points

Due via

BlackBoard or in class

• What will you research?

• What are the questions you want to answer about your topic?

• This will likely become your thesis—the core of your essay! It is very important.

Paper

15 points

Rough Draft

4 points

Thesis

3 points

Support of Thesis

2 points

Organization

2 points

Quality of writing

2 points

Sources

2 points

5-8 pages, double spaced 12 point font Arial, Cambria, or Times New Roman Works cited

• Is the draft 5-8 pages?

• Does the paper include formatted sources?

• Does the paper have a point?

• Is the thesis clearly stated?

• Is the thesis common knowledge or the researcher’s own idea?

• Does the paper back up the thesis with relevant evidence?

• Do all sections of the paper clearly relate to the thesis?

• Does the paper lead the reader through the argument in a way that is easy to follow?

• Are there unnecessary tangents?

• Does the paper feel complete?

• Proper spelling

• Proper grammar

• Is the writing understandable?

• Is the paper concise?

• Avoidance of run- on sentences

• Does the paper cite sources properly within the text, using footnotes, endnotes, or in-text citations?

• Are the sources included in proper MLA, Chicago, or APA format?

• Are the sources appropriate for the topic chosen?

• Does the research include scholarly sources (articles from academic journals, books, etc.)?

TOTAL = 15 points of the final grade!

Use the Student Success Center and Writing Studio as resources!