Writing Reflection

Overview

• Read: Ebrey, “The Origins of Chinese Civilization,” pp. 10-37
• Read: de Bary, “The Oracle Bone Inscriptions of the Late Shang Dynasty,” pp. 3-23

Given what you have learned about Oracle Bones, please assess their suitability for understanding early Chinese history when compared to some of the other techniques we have discussed in class.

Approximate Length: 500 words

Even though this is a graded-for-completion assignment, do try and recall the following assessment criteria as you write:

1. Argument (is there an argument or merely description? Is it compelling?)
2. Use of Evidence (is the text examined? Does the argument relate?)
3. Critical Thinking (is there a skeptical perspective?)
4. Structure and Coherence (topic sentences, paragraphs? Tangents?)
5. Mechanics (How is the grammar? Are the basic criteria met?)

It's okay to use the first person ("I think, I argue, I believe")

Followup: it helps me see what you're saying vs. the texts you are analyzing

Respond directly to the prompt (USE DIRECT QUOTES)

Have an argument

Address the prompt

Be coherent / don't try to address too much

Don't forget to double-space