Name: ______Date: ______

Regional Studies 8 / Dalbo China Current Events Project

Rational/Introduction: Many noted scholars have weighed in on both sides of the debate as to whether China will emerge as the global superpower in the 21st century. Will the 21st century be “the Chinese Century”?[1] In our final project of our unit on China, we will take up this question in our research. To further focus our research, we will explore this question through some specific topics, such as education, human rights, pop culture, etc.

Assignment: You will research an aspect of contemporary China from the following:

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Human rights
  • Industry
  • Military
  • Pop culture
  • Technology

You will need to begin with some preliminary research into your topic to begin to narrow you focus (for example, if your topic is education, you may begin to read articles about education in China to discover that although there is a law stating that all children must attend elementary school, many girls do not receive an education. You might then begin to research why many girls are not getting an education. OR you might start with the broader topic of education and realize that Chinese students score much better on math and science exams than American students. You might decide to research what factors contribute to China’s strong math education.) Once you have researched your narrower topic, you will begin to think about what your research might mean for the future of China as a global superpower.

Your paper should be:

  • Roughly 3 pages
  • Typed in 12 pt. font
  • Double-spaced

The paper must include an introduction with an argumentative thesis statement, a conclusion, and a thoughtful title. Research needs to be cited (this will be discussed and demonstrated in class).

Sample Paper Outline: Your paper may be organized in a different way; this is only a possible way of organizing the aspects of the assignment

  1. Introduction:
  2. Introductory sentence (hook)
  3. What is the issue you are covering in the paper?
  4. Thesis (what are you proving?)
  5. Body Section 1: Research
  6. Discussion of the issue
  7. Includes information from at least 3 sources
  8. Body Section 2: Discussion:
  9. Implications for the future of China (What does your research indicate about the future of China as a global superpower?)
  10. Conclusion:
  11. Restate thesis
  12. “So what?” statement (Why is this an important analysis? What can the readers learn from your paper?)

Grading Rubric: Your grade will be based on the following:

_____/2.5 pts.Paper includes an original and provocative title

_____/2.5 pts.Introduction and Conclusion paragraphs are present

_____/5 pts.Argumentative thesis statement addresses a specific issue

_____/10 pts.Paper shows thoughtful research into the topic

_____/5 pts.Research is cited (at least three sources) in the paper

_____/10 pts.Analysis critically addresses the implication for the future of China

_____/5 pts.Paper is typed, double-spaced, and in 12 pt. font with

minimal spelling and grammatical errors

_____/40 pts.Total score

Due Date: ______

[1]Walsh, Bari. “Will the 21st century be “the Chinese Century”?” 13 June 2013. Accessed at: