HIST 245: History of Asia: Introduction

This guide introduces library resources on Asian history and suggests options for finding potential outside sources (i.e., sources beyond the required readings) for your chosen project. Feel free to e-mail Professor Bowers Sharpe a request for guidance. My information is in the "Have a Question?" box on the left.

Cite your sources using the following format (see examples under the next tab, Citing Your Sources):

Journal article: Author’s last name, First name. “Article Title.” Journal Title x, no. x (year): pages.

Whole book: Author’s last name, First name. Book Title. Place of publication: Publisher, date of publication.

Book chapter: Article Author’s last name, First name. “Article Title.” In Book title, edited by author, pages X-pages Y. Place of publication: Publisher, date of publication.

Option: Critical Reading Paper

Choose one of the assigned primary sources, including interviews and feature/documentary films shown in class (see syllabus, pp. 10-13).  In a three to four-page essay (double space, 1 inch margin all around, Times New Roman #12), analyze the selected material using the methods taught in class:

1. Identify the major themes/issues addressed by the author/material;

2. Identify the author’s main argument, purpose of the document, and intended audience;

3. Assess the author’s use of evidence (and biases, if any) and how s/he accomplished his/her purpose;

4. Evaluate the overall historical value of the material (i.e., identify its strengths and weaknesses as a historical source);

5. Use at least one relevant outside source (i.e., scholarly book/journal article beyond the assigned readings) to enrich your analysis of the assigned source material

Option: Lesson Plan

Choose one of the primary sources listed on pp. 10-13 of the syllabus. Put together a three to four-page lesson plan that (1) explains the importance of your selected material as a teaching resource, and (2) demonstrates the ways that the material can be used in the classroom. Additionally, use at least one scholarly book or a scholarly journal article that will provide some context to or provide background information on your selected material (e.g., the historical period covered in your source material, author’s background). A primary source that offers another perspective on the topic may serve as an outside source for your project.

Option: Reflective Essay

Put together a three to four-page essay that demonstrates your application of a concept and/or methodology that you learned from Hist 245 to your own field of study or major (e.g., Political Science, Business, LEJA) or your area of interest (e.g., gaming, sports, music, food, anime, manga or comics, local/national politics, international relations, family history, history and memory of wars, and identity issues). Additionally, use at least one scholarly book or scholarly journal article that will provide some context to your project (i.e., on the historical period/actors/debates/issues covered in your essay). A primary source that offers another perspective on the topic may serve as an outside source for your project.

Option: Archival research

Conduct research on the experiences of Asians and Asian Americans at WIU, Illinois, and the U.S. in the contexts of empire, war, educational exchanges, and global migration. Research must be conducted at the Archives and Special Collections (Malpass Library, 6^th floor) using archival (e.g., published or unpublished essays, photographs, political cartoons, newspaper articles) and other materials (e.g., yearbooks) in the collection. Please email F-Pamonag@wiu.edu if you are interested in the archival research project option, and I will introduce you to the archivists who can assist you.