Read again page 5 of the syllabus “Norton Book Report Guidelines” for the most complete details.
Find and read any selection that interests you in the Norton Anthology from any culture other than China. The Norton Anthology has selections from novels, poems, plays, manifestos, declarations, songs, etc. You are free to choose any selection from the Anthology that gives you some form of deep and invigorating meaning. You will compare the selection you have chosen with passages from either Confucius, Laozi, or Zhuangzi. (Choose only one of these Chinese philosophers.)
Be sure to pick two quotes from one of the Chinese philosophers, and also two additional quotes from your chosen selection. Be careful to choose a selection that will balance or contrast in a surprising way with the thinking of the Chinese philosopher.
Regarding the scholarly quotes:
Please note that the two scholarly quotes which you use are in addition to the other four quotes. As well, they should be cited. That is, the source where you found the quote, including the date, should be noted. You can use your two scholarly quotes as additional explanation for argument and comparison. Online journals and articles, such as those found in the Newman Library are fine to use, as are academic book sources.
Regarding the biography and synopsis:
Your research on the biographies of both of your authors should be from sources outside the Norton. While I would like some minimal research on the Chinese philosopher you have chosen (Confucius, Laozi, or Zhuangzi), both the author biography and the synopsis should focus predominantly on your chosen selection from the Norton Anthology.
Norton Book Report Guidelines:
All of the information below should be included in your Norton Book Report and
submitted on Blackboard. Specific instructions for each Norton Book Report will
be posted on Blackboard.
Discuss how your Norton selections can be used to provide a context for
your observations, understanding, and appreciation of the differing forms
of written expression you have encountered this semester. Also discuss
how your selections may have helped you to understand something about
the disparate forms of written communication and language found across
the world and across many centuries. (Two paragraphs)
Include a total of six quotes from the selections you are presenting. All
quotes must be four to five sentences in length.
Include two additional quotes (also four to five sentences in length) from scholarly sources which help to interpret and contextualize your selections and their authors, and that help to present your book in a wider, interdisciplinary context. A scholarly source is any reputable source and/or academic study (including journals, articles, etc.). These quotes are not from the required selections you have chosen to read; they are from two independent scholarly studies.
Note: You need to write a brief analysis after each of the above eight quotes which explain the writers thesis, or your interpretation of the writers thesis. Your response should provide a wider context for the selections you are discussing.
Write a one to two page synopsis of your chosen selection (details
forthcoming) which highlights your own interpretation and how your
selection has helped you understand the written expressions of differing cultures and differing centuries. This should not include outside sources, and should be written in your own voice.
Research the author of your chosen selection and then include a one page biography of the author which is focused on those unusual facts that are of particular interest to you. The biography should be edited and reflected upon, rather than a cursory copy and paste
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