Debate summary revising for JAPMAN

Requirement:

You will be writing on BOTH of the two questions in your midterm exam. Answer one of the questions in a five-page, double-spaced essay. Answer the other in a separate one-page, single-spaced extended outline format. It is up to you to decide which of the questions to answer in which format. Use reasonable fonts and margins.

5 Page Essay requirement: The five-page paper should be in standard essay format. You must present the main arguments and counter-arguments from BOTH sides of these one-sided statements, fairly and roughly equally. You of course should have your own position, but you must demonstrate your understanding of the other side of the argument (at the minimum). Think hard about the arguments, counter-arguments, critiques, and comebacks; put down in your essay only what is most crucial and relevant. This means analysis, not mere description. Remember to stay focused on the question.

1 page Essay : For the single-spaced, one-page extended outline, you will also need to cover both sides of the debate in roughly equal form. But because you are limited in space, you need to focus on the most crucial information and analysis. Consider leading off with a short summary statement of one position, followed by the main substantive arguments to support that position. You should consider using "bullets" or short headings combined with prose. You should then do the same (summary statement, bullets and prose) for the other side of the debate. You should include a short, integrative conclusion. There is a lot of information to cram in, so you must economize on space. Make sure the outline is organized and that the information is presented in a clear and logical manner.

For both papers, you are responsible for all materials covered in the readings, lectures, and class discussions. You need to demonstrate that you have mastered the readings for the course. I recommend not relying too much on direct quotations - use mostly your own words and ideas. For the essay, you do not need to use formal footnotes, but cite relevant authors when appropriate, either parenthetically or in the text of your analysis. You do not need footnotes for the one-pager, but put everything into your own words.

Question 1. Topic: PRO: The conflict between Japan and the West could not be avoided ;CON:It can be avoid (Analysis that whether the conflict could be avoided, just do the analysis on the points of PRO and CON)

Reading: Crisis of Political Community.

One single space, 1 page , MLA 12 size

(1) "The seeds of the conflict between Japan and the West were sown the moment the Meiji government embarked on rapid industrialization. As its industrial power grew, so too did its military capabilities, along with its ambitions. As soon as it was able, it fully committed itself to a policy of expansion and aggression, and its attempt to dominate East Asia led to the unavoidable clash with the West. (2)"Furthermore, the Taisho Democracy, characterized by Shidehara Diplomacy, was only a smokescreen that lulled its neighbors into a false sense of complacency. Japan was never satisfied with the status quo, and as soon as it felt it was powerful enough it pursued its deep-rooted desire to dominate the region. Rising powers in the past have always challenged the status quo, and Japan was no different. (3)"Faced with the certainty of Japanese aggression, the Western powers had no choice but to respond with a policy of unyielding force and containment. As defenders of the status quo, the West could not afford to give in to any of the demands of a revisionist power. There was nothing anyone could have done to stop the inevitable conflict."

Question 2. Topic:China can rise peacefully. (To prove China can rise peacefully)

Reading: The Road to the Pacific War.

Double space, 5 pages, 12 size, MLA

(1) "The seeds of future conflict between China and its neighbors were sown the moment Deng embarked on rapid industrialization. As its industrial power grew, so too have its military capabilities, along with its ambitions. As soon as it is able, it will fully commit itself to a policy of expansion and aggression, and its future attempt to dominate East Asia will lead to an unavoidable clash with its neighbors. (2)"Furthermore, its policy of outward-oriented development, characterized by the Peaceful Rise, is only a smokescreen that is lulling its neighbors into a false sense of complacency. China has never been satisfied with the status quo, and as soon as it feels it is powerful enough, it will pursue its deep-rooted desire to dominate the region. Rising powers in the past have always challenged the status quo, and China will be no different. (3)"Faced with the certainty of Chinese aggression, its neighbors have no choice but to respond with a policy of unyielding force and containment. As defenders of the status quo, its neighbors cannot afford to give in to any of the demands of a revisionist power. There is nothing anyone can do to stop the inevitable coming conflict."