Original paper requirement:
Topic 1: A Clash of Cultures?
Do you agree that Sino-Western conflicts in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Opium War and
Lord Macartney’s failed diplomatic mission, are best understood as the result of a clash of cultures?
If not, what were the main causes of the conflicts?
In your essay, focus on one or two specific instance(s) of Qing-Western conflict, present a clear thesis
statement, examine at least one primary source to demonstrate your argument, and cite at least three
secondary sources. One of the secondary sources needs to be an in-course reading.
Relevant primary sources include the Qianlong Emperor’s two edicts to King George III, Lord Palmerston’s
declaration of war, and accounts of the Macartney mission. Please discuss with me your choice of primary
source before you proceed to write.
My instructions:
One of the attached documents is my proposal. The proposal itself only got a 75%, so another file I sent you has my prof’s instructions on it. Do pay attention to that. This should be an easy task for the writer since I have written a proposal and an updated outline. The outline is the paragraphs written in bold letters. The writer should NOT waste words on a summary of the war. Strictly follow the outline, which itself is already 500 words. You only need to add quotes, and transitional sentences, and find some evidence in the sources that I listed for you and put them in the essay. Please do not use any outside sources besides the ones I list in the proposal. The final version of the paper should be 1500 words/6 pages. You do not need to exceed that word limit at all. Quality is more important than quantity. Also, I do hope to be assigned with a writer who is familiar with China history. Lastly, I will work alongside the writer, so it would be convenient for both the writer and me to report our progress to each other.
