Category: History

In at least 350 words, think through the following and remember to point to at least two specific in-text examples:

• What triggered the Mexican-American war?
• What role does manifest destiny play in the colonization of the Southwestern US?
• How is colonization justified through manifest destiny?
• Define the Treaty of Hidalgo and the consequences of it

Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): The Analects of Confucius (Eno).pdf, Selections from the Analects.pdf, confucius_teacher.pdf

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Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Timbuktu_ An Islamic Cultural Center Articles and Essays Islamic Manuscripts from Mali Digital Collections Library of Congress.pdf, The Trans-Saharan Gold Trade (7th14th Century) – The Metropolitan Museum of Art.pdf, TimbuktuCivilizationanditsSignificanceinIslamicHistory.pdf, Cano_s-Donnay2018_Mali Empire.pdf, SundiataEpicPart128First29.pdf, SundiataEpicPart228Middle29.pdf, SundiataEpicPart328Final29.pdf

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Choosing one of the topics below, write an analytical essay, 5 double-spaced pages long,

using standard 12-point fonts and 1-inch margins. You must number the pages and staple the

pages; I will subtract 2 points from the mark for any student who doesnt. Bibliographic

entries, and separate title pages if you use one, do not count as part of the assigned 5 pages (that

said, do make sure to give the paper a proper title and provide full references for all sources you

use). Also, dont add extra blank lines between the paragraphs; you need the room.

The paper should be viewed as a formal opportunity to synthesize and critically apply

the course material for Unit 2. You must use and cite both the assigned readings and the lecture

material (in-class lectures, handouts, and/or Powerpoints), and I strongly recommend using both

the textbooks and any relevant Canvas readings. Sources not specifically assigned or recom-

mended should be used minimally if at all. If you choose to use sources not specifically assigned

or recommended, they should be supplements to, not substitutes for, the assigned materials.

Always cite your sources fully and clearly, with specific page numbers for printed

material, whether you summarize or directly quote them. For the printed sources (readings), any

standard bibliographic style is OK, but dont use long footnotes or endnotes. In-class lectures can

be identified by their dates (e.g., Lecture 1/16), posted handouts by their titles and page numbers

(e.g., Quinter, Daoism, 2), posted Powerpoints by their titles and slide number (e.g., Quinter,

Lectures 1 and 2 (China), slide 3), and videos by their titles.

When you cite a source, make sure that you reflect the authors views accurately. I urge

caution on consulting internet sources (apart from electronic versions of high-quality academic

journals and scholarly books). But if you do, you must cite them by website or webpage title and

URL. Please try to use shortened URLs that do not include long search strings, etc. Consult the

Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed. (available online to UofA students), if you are unclear on this.

I will be looking for clear writing, logical organization, freedom from spelling and

grammatical errors, specific knowledge of the assigned readings and lectures, and effective

synthesis of the course material. Your papers should have a clearly articulated thesis, reflect the

course material accurately, and demonstrate your own insight into the issues addressed. More

than just showing how your argument will proceed (I will do X, then Y, then Z), a good thesis

statement tells the reader what you will argue (I will argue that/This paper will show that).

In a short paper like this, the thesis statement should generally appear in the first or

second paragraph. I will also be looking for a clear, well-considered introduction and central

argument or question, a logical flow to the supporting paragraphs with effective transitions

between them, and a satisfying conclusion. Do not use long quotes in your papers or just string

together direct quotes to make your arguments. Use your own wording as much as possible; your

own analysis of the material is the most important part.

In keeping with the emphasis on your own analyses and critical thinking, use of advanced

AI tools such as ChatGPT and similar programs is prohibited for the paper, no matter which

topic you choose (see the Required Notes section in the syllabus for fuller details). I also want

to spare you from the false paths such AI tools can lead you downlike their tendency to

hallucinate sources that dont exist outside their own artificial minds.

2

But for a good resource for help with paper writing, see the link in Canvas to the

Universitys Writing Services. You may also find helpful the link I posted under Readings

and Handouts to Mark Unnos guide Four Keys to Writing in the Humanities.

Topics

Note: For the topics below, you do not have to address every sub-question in the Some issues

you may want to consider parts. But these are included to help guide your thinking on the

papers and to give you a sense of the kinds of issues that can make for a good one.

1) Investigate the assimilation and spread of Buddhism in China. Be as specific as you can in

terms of concepts, figures (people and deities), and movements or schools, and make sure to

draw on both Indian and Chinese traditions.

Some issues you may want to consider: What were the barriers and critiques that Chinese

Buddhists had to overcome during their assimilation of the Indian tradition? How did they strive

to overcome those critiques? Illustrate ways in which Buddhism was integrated with traditional

Chinese culture (especially Confucianism and Daoism) and how Chinese Buddhism incorporated

or transformed Indian Buddhist traditions.

2) Compare and contrast approaches to change and mortality in Buddhism and Daoism. You

should take into account both teachings and practices in your analysis, and be as specific as you

can in terms of concepts, people, and movements within those traditions. For Buddhism, you

may consider both Indian and Chinese traditions.

Some issues you may want to consider: What are some fundamental teachings on change

and mortality in each tradition? How do those teachings relate to notions of the body and the

cosmos? Identify specific practices within each tradition and examine how they relate to those

teachings. How do those teachings and practices vary among different movements or schools

within the traditions? What similarities and differences do you see between the two traditions on

these issues?

write a book review (1500-2000 words) on Jason Hannan, Trolling Ourselves to Death:
Democracy in the Age of Social Media (2023).

The review must begin with an introductory paragraph, laying out your initial, overall assessment of the
book. The point of a review is not just to offer your opinion of the book, but to persuade the reader
whether or not they should purchase and read it for themselves. Whatever you think about the book,
outline your reasons at the start this is the thesis of your argument, which is developed and supported in
the body of the review.
The second paragraph (no more than 150 words) must provide a summary of the contents of the book and
the argument that the authors make. This part is essential your own reader is not likely to accept your
opinion unless you can demonstrate, objectively, that you understand the argument the author tries to
make.
For the rest of your review, respond to the following:
Hannan looks behind the phenomenon of trolling to explore the ways in which our use of social media
reveals historical influences and attitudes that, if unchecked or uncorrected, will need to an unpleasant
future for everyone, including the trolls.”

Having read the whole book first, you are to focus on two chapters, Chapter 1 and Chapter 6. For each of
these two chapters, briefly summarize the authors argument, and then discuss whether or not you
are convinced by it.
Then, read Hannans conclusion carefully, and reflect on what he says. The book was written before
Donald Trump was reelected as President of the United States. Does Hannans overall argument still
make sense today? Have the events of the last year illustrated even more clearly what happens when
social media trolls continue to unravel the fabric of society? Do you think trust can be rebuilt or not
and if so, how? Make sure your opinions are supported by specific references to the text, and by good
reasoning (your own!). PLEASE NOTE: ALL references/quotations must be cited CORRECTLY from the paperback
edition sold by the bookstore. If you choose to use a different version, or an e-version, you are
REQUIRED to align your references/quotations with this edition.

i have provided you with the ebook link for the book, please use the amazon link to use the book for the book review. please provide correct intext citations and refrences from, using the ebook

Please write a 2-3 page essay that examines and explores the manner in which Charles Chestnutt employs the characteristics of American Realism to scrutinize the the motivations, attitudes, and actions of White liberals and/or Black elites in his short stories “The Passing of Grandison” or “The Wife of His Youth.”

Choose ONE of the two short stories to explore your argument. This essay should use lines and passages from your short story as evidence for your argument. Be sure to carefully demonstrates the method in which the short story employs the FOUR central characteristics of literary Realism discussed in the Course Lecture. All work done in this course, the academic standards for plagiarism will be strictly upheld. This literary analysis is worth [200] points of your final grade and is due on March 20, 2026

Here are a few items to keep in mind when constructing this assignment:

• place your MLA identification information in the correct space
• correctly utilize MLA guidelines for citations, margins, spacing, font, etc
• have an introduction which contextualizes your analysis
• have a clear thesis statement
• properly utilize quotations from the literary text in order to strengthen your argument/analysis [fully explain all quotations]
• clearly state which literary movement this work and writer fall within
• be sure to utilize the terms and explanations discussed in your class [you must explore at least 4 literary aspects of the narrative]
• go beyond the superficial, enlighten your reader [isolating, exploring and illuminating the concepts under investigation]
• utilize transitions between paragraphs and ideas
• correctly employ the function of a concluding statement

HAPPY WRITING!!!!

1. Ancient India (Prehistoric period around 1200 CE)

Ancient India began with early human settlements and the development of one of the worlds earliest civilizations.

• Indus Valley Civilization (c. 25001500 BCE): One of the earliest urban civilizations, with well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. People practiced trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship.
• Vedic Period (c. 1500600 BCE): The Aryans settled in India. The Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, were written during this time. Society developed the varna (caste) system.
• Rise of Kingdoms and Religions: Many kingdoms emerged. Buddhism and Jainism were founded by Gautama Buddha and Mahavira.
• Maurya Empire (321185 BCE): Founded by Chandragupta Maurya. Under Ashoka, the empire expanded greatly and promoted Buddhism and peace.
• Gupta Empire (c. 320550 CE): Known as the Golden Age of India because of advances in science, mathematics, literature, and art. Scholars like Aryabhata made major discoveries.

2. Medieval India (c. 12001757 CE)

This period saw the arrival of new rulers, cultures, and religions.

• Delhi Sultanate (12061526): Muslim rulers established kingdoms in North India. They introduced new administrative systems, architecture, and cultural influences.
• Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms: Powerful South Indian empires that promoted trade, art, and temple architecture.
• Mughal Empire (15261857): Founded by Babur. Great rulers like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb ruled large parts of India.
  • Akbar promoted religious tolerance.
  • Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal.
  • The empire contributed greatly to art, architecture, and administration.

3. Modern India (17571947 and after)

Modern Indian history mainly focuses on European colonization and the freedom struggle.

• British Rule: The British East India Company gained control after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Later, India came under direct British government rule.
• Economic and Social Changes: Railways, modern education, and new laws were introduced, but many Indians suffered under colonial policies.
• Indian Freedom Movement: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh fought for independence through protests and movements.
• Independence (1947): India became free from British rule on August 15, 1947. The country was divided into India and Pakistan.
• Post-Independence India: India became a democratic republic in 1950 with its own constitution and continues to grow socially, politically, and economically.