The second half of our class has treated various exemplars of mostly narrative literature from Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Choosing at least two major works from at least two major civilizations, write a 5-6 page paper that conducts a comparative analysis of expressions of Buddhist, Daoist, and/or Confucian philosophical concepts as they are expressed, adapted, and/or transformed in each text. The scope and focus of the paper are largely up to you, and should be determined by your interest.
Requirements: Select two from the following major works (and from at least TWO different civilizations):
my choice is:
1. Korea: The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong, “The Memoir of 1805”(I Included as pdf file)
2. Japan: The Tale of Heikei (selections)(I Included as pdf file)
I strongly suggest you begin by selecting the two major works that moved you the most, and then reread them while going over your notes. Then, I suggest you revisit the philosophies most evident in these texts from the first part of our class. Don’t forget your basic Buddhist, Daoist, & Confucian readings!
Structure:
Introduction – Introduce Buddhism, Confucian & Daoist ideals that were apparent in context of Japan & Korea
Stake your claim(s) in the context of the issue(s) you seek to resolve or illuminate. (Keep in mind that your reader has not yet read your paper.)
Provide a roadmap of how you will go about proving your claim(s).
Body Paragraphs
1. Confucian ideal in Korea vs Japan based on the two texts: The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong, “The Memoir of 1805” & Japan: The Tale of Heikei (selections)
2. Buddhist ideal in Confucian ideal in Korea vs Japan based on the two texts: The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong, “The Memoir of 1805” & Japan: The Tale of Heikei (selections)
3. Daoist ideal in Korea & Japan based on the two texts: The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong, “The Memoir of 1805” & Japan: The Tale of Heikei (selections)
Prove your claim according to an intentionally ordered sequence of sub-claims, in which you use textual evidence to prove your points.
Make sure that you introduce, provide evidence for, and discuss each sub-claim thoroughly.
Use the order of your sub-claims and transitions between them to build your overall argument.
Remember: the bulk of your paper should be textual analysis.
Conclusion
Summarize your “roadmap” (i.e. the work you just took the reader through).
Reiterate your claim (for the reader who has now read your paper).
Close on the broader ramification and significance of your work.
