Research Paper

  
Research Paper 4-5 pages, typed 12 pt font, double-spaced 

In the course thus far, we have covered the early Chinese American experience and have more recently been moving towards contemporary Chinese America. A lot of the material covered was from the past as it acts as an important foundation to recognize and understand contemporary Chinese America.
Through the research paper, you will have the opportunity to explore historical and/or contemporary figures, events or resources in the Chinese American Community. This is your opportunity to further explore the topics we have covered through any of the weeks thus far, for example taking a topic from Choy’s book as a means of relating Chinatown’s past to its present state.Though the focus of his book is San Francisco’s Chinatown (its history and architecture), many of the organizations existed in other Chinese ethnic enclaves across the nation.  (You can also select a topic that we have NOT covered thus far)
For the paper, students are asked to:
1) Decide on a topic to explore
2) Utilize any of our books as a means to explore the topic (You can choose something outside of the textbooks as well)
3) Research more information to bridge the past to the present and tie the information to the course (Avoid plagiarism and cite cite cite all sources!)
4) Create a 4-5 page paper and be prepared to create a 200-300 word summation to “present” in a discussion forum to the class.
This paper can be an extension of a topic that we have discussed that you are eager to expand upon, or something that strikes your interest by flipping through the textbooks.  It can also be a topic that we have NOT discussed pertaining to Chinese American that is of interest to you. 
Through this exploration, you can develop an understanding of how it could be possible to use multiple topics/references made to build on a single topic.There are many topics that can be utilized as a springboard for further exploration but it is not necessary to limit yourself to the topics we have covered.
At the end of the paper students should relate their topic with contemporary Chinese America.For example, if you choose to write about the Donaldina Cameron House, from the Choy text should be utilized for the historical background, information from the course should be integrated (stereotypes/roles of women), and further research would be needed to expand upon the significant role of how the Cameron House is utilized in today’s Chinese American society.
Remember to focus on Chinese American issues.  Since the course focuses on the experiences of Chinese in America (as immigrants and descendants of immigrants), that should remain the focus for your research paper. 
Topic/thesis examples (These are NOT the only ones to choose from):
Exploration of Benevolent Associations and their contribution/role in Chinatown.
The roles of Chinese American media (both within and outside of Chinatown).
Second Generation identity/issues.
The role of businesses in Chinatown (development of culture, economy, community)
How has Chinatowns changed?(Can integrate multiple topics from all of the textbooks to today’s Chinatown)
What does today’s Chinese America look like? 
Asian Americans and their access into different parts of American society (Media, Education, Professions).  What is the “Bamboo Ceiling”?  
How has the one-child policy in China impacted Chinese immigrants in the US? 
Are there conflicts or collaborations with other communities outside of the Chinese American community? (Think Black Lives Matter)
Who are key figures that have been highlighted in the past or present in the Chinese American community?  (Could be “good” or “bad”).  
Chinese Americans in popular culture and their impact on Chinese America (Jeremy Lin, martial artists, Fresh off the Boat, Crazy Rich Asians ). 
Who are these “rich Chinese immigrants”?
Follow this rubric to know how it will be graded. 
1) Sources/Citations: At least 2 additional sources cited outside of the class textbooks. Acceptable sources that are part of our course: Takaki textbook, Kwong textbook, Choy textbook, class lecture, and websites we have used. Other resources (websites, books) are of course acceptable.  (Be sure they are not just Wikipedia sites, blogs, general opinion pieces).  
Citations: (5%)  When uncertain, just cite to avoid plagiarism. If you take passages from a citation, please just be sure to include the proper MLA format citation. I would much rather read your interpretation of the information than the cut and paste from the source which you found the information. For the most part, you all have been successfully avoiding this issue by either directly quoting or using the “According to the lecture/reading” preface to cite the source in which you were referencing.  
2) Historical context: Provide as much information about the historical background, purpose, structure of the organization, membership (if applicable).Provide a backdrop to the reason this came into existence, i.e. the goals, objectives, vision and role of the program/organization/topic.(40%)
3) Contemporary relationship: How does it relate to today’s Chinese American Society? Does it still exist? If it is no longer in function, is there a void without it or is it even needed? Has it had to adapt to the changing needs of today’s society?  What social, economic and cultural changes has it made for the community? (40%)
4)Importance/relationship to the course: Why is it important to know about this topic?Did its function help to create/maintain/shape the Chinese American community/society?How does it relate to the course material thus far?   Was there any impact from public policy in regards to your topic? (20%)
Take the next several weeks to explore the book as well as websites to pin down a topic. During the week of May 5th you will be prompted to post on a forum (in one sentence) stating what your topic will be.

This assignment description will be moved down each week until the assignment is due. Early submissions are welcomed. If you are certain your submission is set, you can email me to let me know and I will grade it the week you’ve submitted it instead of waiting until the due date. 
Research Paper