What sort of primary sources are best for understanding (Chinese) history?

Overview

Approximate Length: 750 words

You MUST use at least one primary source (“Yangzhou Massacre,” “Macartney-Qianlong Encounter,” “Opium Policy Debate,” “Mid-century Rebels,” Ridding Bad Customs” ) from Week 12 and at least one from week 8.

Be sure to categorize the type of primary sources you are using in order to adequately compare them to each other.

You need to name and assess the advantages and disadvantages of using that specific type of primary source.

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