Pick a present-day social issue. What would a Confucian say? What would a Daoist say? Which do you prefer?

Overview

• Read: Ebrey, “Philosophical Foundations: The Eastern Zhou Period” (until Daoism) pp. 44-46.
• Read: “Confucian Teachings” in Chinese Civilizations: A Sourcebook, 2nd Ed.
• Read: Ebrey, “Philosophical Foundations: The Eastern Zhou Period” (until Daoism) pp. 46-49.
• Read: “Daoist Teachings” in Chinese Civilizations: A Sourcebook, 2nd Ed.

Pick a present-day social issue. What would a Confucian say? What would a Daoist say? Which do you prefer?

Approximate Length: 500 words

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?)
6. It's okay to use the first person ("I think, I argue, I believe")
7. Followup: it helps me see what you're saying vs. the texts you are analyzing
8. Respond directly to the prompt (USE DIRECT QUOTES)
9. Have an argument
10. Address the prompt
11. Be coherent / don't try to address too much
12. Don't forget to double-space