ASI3111 Please Do Not Circulate and Post Winter 2022

ASI3111 Please Do Not Circulate and Post Winter 2022
Annotated Bibliography with term paper proposal (Option B only)
Due on Brightspace by 5:00pm, Friday, March 30
The aim of the annotated bibliography is to help you research and prepare for your term paper (due
April 22). Although this is not technically a “research paper,” it still requires some outside investigation.
As you decide on a topic for your final paper, try to identify and examine critical studies related to it.
These critical studies can be related generally or more specifically to your topic. They can be in the form
of monographs, chapters of books, and articles in journals. You should select at least 4 items for
reporting (2 can be from the optional readings).
The assignment should be typed and double-spaced:
• The proposal: Write approximately one page outlining your topic. You may consider the
following questions: What do you plan to examine and analyze in your paper? Which film or
film director’s works will you focus on? What is the theme or thesis? What can you draw from
previous studies? How will you go about demonstrating the thesis of your paper? You can
explore the same topic as your presentation or one of your short papers. However, you should go
into more detail with the topic and produce a solid piece of formal writing based on your own
argument.
• The Annotated Bibliography: Provide bibliographic information for each item in the correct
citation form (recommended: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers). Write
approximately a one-third to half-page report for each item. Give reasons for choosing this item
and a brief summary of the content. Discuss the approach or perspective taken by the author.
What are the strengths and/or problems of the study? What aspects do you find fruitful for
developing your topic?
• Your final paper must be accompanied by a regular bibliography. It need not be the same as or
limited to the items you have reported on as you may find other studies that are relevant to your
topic in the course of writing.
Some useful reference Journals for starting your research:
• Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies
• T’oung Pao
• Nan Nü: Men, Women and Gender in China
• Chinese Literature: Essays, Articles, Reviews
If you have any questions about your assignments, please contact me. Have a great summer holiday and
all the very best in your future studies and endeavors.