In early texts we have read so far this semester, such as the Book of Documents,

In early texts we have read so far this semester, such as the Book of Documents, the Book of Songs, and the Analects of Confucius, we have encountered the notion of heaven (or, tian 天, in Chinese). Using a careful reading of our assigned sources and ideas presented in class, write an essay discussing how early Chinese understood heaven. What was it? What role did it play in people’s lives and in their governance? In your paper, you might try to look for changes in the conception of heaven over time. Did the Analects, for example, at all modify the understanding of heaven that appears in earlier texts? Did different groups in early China think about heaven differently? Your essay does not need to cover all these questions—they’re meant to give you ideas to help your writing. A strong essay will have a focused argument, and will show a careful reading of both primary and secondary sources assigned in class.
Your essay will be judged by the extent to which:
You offer a sound and convincing argument
You demonstrate careful reading of the sources
You include ideas from lecture as appropriate
You craft a well-written and well-constructed essay
You demonstrate understanding of the history presented thus far in class
You are able to write a paper that is free of careless errors
Papers should be approximately 1200 words (5 pages), and are due Thursday September 28, at 11:59pm EST. You should not submit a hard copy. Instead, upload your paper to Blackboard under the Assignments tab. Your paper must be double-spaced, and your name must appear on the first page. You must carefully cite all quoted material and evidence presented in your essay; . For Analects, use the chapter and verse (for example: Analects 12:7). NO OUTSIDE SOURCES ARE ALLOWED. Lectures should be cited by title of lecture and date.