HIS 382: History of the Silk Road in China

Paper Topics #1

(Paper #1 Due Friday, March 3^rd)

Directions: Choose any one of the following paper topics.  These are “think piece” papers, so no additional outside research is required.  Please read both of the books Life Along the Silk Road and Religions of the Silk Road, along with relevant articles, carefully before writing.  Compose a strong topic sentence, locate evidence in the texts to support your position, and proceed.  Your paper should be 5-7 pages in length.  Please include appropriate citations for all your references to the texts.  Overdue papers will not be accepted.  Please include page numbers in your papers.

Topics for Paper #1:

1. Imagine that you are a Central Asian merchant, traveling one segment of the Silk Road in the late 8^th century.  Describe an encounter with two missionaries along your travels.  How might they persuade you to follow their system of belief?  What social or political problems would you voice to them?  Which school sounds most appealing?  Least appealing?  Why?   Include specific references to the texts in your response.

2. How well do you think Bentley’s various theories of conversion apply to the social and political conditions of the Silk Road?  Give specific examples to support your thesis.

3. What are the most important socio-economic and political influences that enhanced the spread of Buddhism from northern India through Central Asia into East Asia? Please also note both western and eastern cultural influences in your response.

4. What role did cities and irrigation play in the emergence of early states in Central Asia?  How did these cities facilitate both trade and pilgrimage along the Silk Road?