Christianity in Japanese History:
Information about reports
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1. You are required to write at least one report (the term paper), which you will also deliver to the class as a presentation. There is an additional, optional, report (see 10 below).

2. The topic of the term paper/presentation should be an aspect of Christianity in Japan (or another part of East Asia). For example, you could analyze the influence of Christianity on a figure such as Oda Nobunaga, Uchimura Kanzo, or Endo Shusaku. (Uchimura Kanzo actually wrote quite a bit in English, and many of Endo Shusaku's novels have been translated into European languages, including English and French.) Alternatively, you could examine issues such as the reasons for the prohibiition of Christianity in Edo Japan, or the relationship between Christianity and patriotism in Meiji Japan. You are all strongly advised to submit a plan at an early stage so that I can check that you have chosen a feasible topic and give you advice about what to read. (I might even be able to lend you books that are not available in the library.)

3. The length of the term paper will vary according to the background of the student. Students who have little experience in writing English will be expected to write 1500-2000 words. Students who have considerable experience in writing English will be expected to write considerably more.

4. If you have never written a report in English before or have difficulty in writing English, you are STRONGLY ADVISED to a) tell me and b) start preparing early. You should submit a plan of what you want to write, and get advice from me about appropriate sources. You should also produce a first draft before the winter break. I will then be able to provide feedback so that you can do a rewrite.

5. If you want to discuss your writing plans with me, please send me an e-mail so that we can fix a time and place.

6. All reports should be written using a computer and submitted in printed form, unless I give you permission to send your report as an e-mail attachment.

7. Sources should be properly cited. (If necessary, guidance will be given on how to do this.) Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and is NOT, therefore, a suitable academic source, though it can be a useful starting point. Internet sources can be used if they are primary data, such as government statistics or the home page of a church or other organization that you are studying, or if they are articles in online academic journals. If you wish to use any other type of internet source, please consult me. You should also read books!

8. Plagiarism will be severely dealt with! (If you do not know what plagiarism is, ask me!)

9. The deadline for submitting reports has not yet been decided, but it will probably be at the final class. If you wish me to return your report, please write a note to this effect at the end of the paper. I will indicate when reports can be collected on my homepage in early February.

10. The optional report is a summary and analysis of one of the primary sources that we will read during the course of the term. It should be at least 600 words long and have at least two paragraphs (one for the summary and one for the analysis).