Writing Workshop for Paper 1

Writing Workshop for Paper 1

An Analytical Paper on Classical Era Leadership

Chapter 1 of a book called Discovering the Global Past presents primary sources relating to the importance of water in early societies. Two of these sources, number 10 “Suetonius’s Description of the Water Projects Undertaken by Emperor Claudius (r. 41-54 C.E.)” and number 11 “Activities of Shao Xinchen, Han Dynasty, before 33 B.C.E.,” contrast different styles of leadership revolving around water issues. 

First, read the two passages.What can you tell from them about the two societies from which these leaders arise? What different values of leadership are revealed in the two selections? Which man displays better qualities of leadership, Emperor Claudius or Shao Xinchen? Keep these questions generally in mind as you read the passages.

The paper you will write will revolve around the last question: Which man displays better qualities of leadership, Emperor Claudius or Shao Xinchen?

Second, to get started with your analysis, highlight or otherwise identify any words or phrases from the two passages that in any way reflect the two men’s leadership styles. 

Third, consider the leadership on display.Which elements of the leadership these men displayed do you admire? Which do you consider to be “good” leadership? Why? You can keep your thoughts in your mind or write them out in a brainstorming document… whatever works best for you.

Fourth, write a 3-page paper (approximately 750 words) analyzing the two primary sources and answering the question: “Which man displays better qualities of leadership, Emperor Claudius or Shao Xinchen?” Be sure to use quotes from the reading to support your argument. 

Your paper should contain the following elements: 

·      An Introduction that reflects on good leadership and explains to the reader who, what, where and when are you writing about.

·      2-4 Body Paragraphs, each of which explores at least one piece of quoted evidence  from the passages.

·      A Conclusion

·      A Works Cited section using the information noted in the examples below. Note that this is NOT a research paper… the only references you should use in writing this paper are Wiesner (required because it is the source of the passages under analysis) and possibly Strayer (optional ).

Wiesner, Merry, et al. Discovering the Global Past: A Look at the Evidence, vol 1.  Boston: Wadsworth. 2007.

Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2009.