The Great Tang-Song Transformation
The Great Tang-Song Transformation
Order Description
Convention describes the Song dynasty as a “turning point” in Chinese history. Prior to this era, an aristocratic culture placed more value on bloodline than ability
and the apex of society embraced only a small number of old families. In addition, economic activity and urbanization were rather modest in the Tang while government
institutions were also limited in this time (PPT W.7.4, slide 17). However, compared to the Tang, the Song had become a brilliant and innovative age characterized by
rapid economic growth as well as social and cultural changes. These changes include the expansion of civil-service examinations, the rising prominence of scholar-
officials, the rise of Neo-Confucianism, re-definition of gendered space, thriving artistic and literary achievements, and an affluent urban culture (PPT W.8.1).
Please write an essay to elaborate some of the above-mentioned aspects to illustrate the new developments during the Tang-Song Transformation.
Writing your paper:
1. Title: should not be too long (more than two lines)
2. First paragraph (Introduction):
? Your thesis is clearly stated in the first paragraph (thesis statement)
o Thesis: the point that an essay is trying to prove
? A valid thesis:
o It is not a question
o understandable;
o coherent: goes through the entire essay; it should not make two points
– A complex thesis, with interrelated parts is OK, as long as it’s clear how the different parts relate to each other
o A thesis should be arguable:
– This statement is not obvious, and it would require evidence to prove
o Examples:
– “Gender inequality in China has its roots in Confucian tradition”
– “Although women in Confucian tradition were essentially kept in an inferior social position, some women also established a degree of status and power for
themselves/there was always complexity of women’s position”
– …
3. The body of your text:
? Don’t present superficial statements of ideas;
? Clear and precise evidence offered; specific examples from texts that directly support the claim and analysis;
4. Conclusion: In your concluding section, you should summarize your main findings and state a clear conclusion.
5. Bibliography: MLA recommended; or use one citation form consistently