Student Name:
Allyson Chan
10 pt scale:
10 pts = A
Writing Assignment:
Essay 5 - Traders, Diplomats, and Monks:
Exchanges along the 'Silk Roads' between the 4th8th centuries CE
9 = A8 = B+
Assignment Prompt:
Discuss characteristic features of cultural encounters
and exchanges along the "Silk Roads" from ca. the
4th to the 8th centuries. How did the trading network
evolve during this period? What do we know about
traders and their communities? What role was played
by diplomatic contacts? And how was religious life in
Central and East Asia shaped by the 'Silk Roads'?
7=B
6 = B5 = C+
4=C
3 = C2 = D+
1=D
Grade:
Extra Credit:
Letter: B+
0.5-1 = D-
Points: 8/10
0-0.5 pts = F
Writing Center Appointment: (N/A) or (plus one lettergrade)
Additional Notes:
At the beginning of the essay, I really liked the way you organised your essay around the phenomena of
urbanisation and discussion of Sogdian diaspora. A bit of chronological confusion with your third point
about the shift to sea routes: I would argue that perhaps this falls just outside the 4th-8th century (as most
of the things you describe occur in the mid 8th century). Similarly with Islamisation, this only really occurs in
the 8th century onwards. This needed a bit of a rethink for these last points, and some more primary
evidence to support them. Had to grade you down as there was not very much discussion of diplomacy
other than a mention in the introduction. Well done for your work this semester, and good luck for the final!
Rubric
Content (6 pts)
Prompt (3 pts)
3: student effectively responds to all three
components of the prompt (1.) Identify characteristic
features of cultural encounters and exchanges along
'silk roads' in the period specified (c4-c8); (2.)
Discuss your identified features of cultural
encounters from the perspective of trading networks,
diplomatic modes of encounters, and religious
practices (ONE case study each) in the period with
approproate textual, art historical or archaeological
evidence; (3) Explain the relationships between
religious life, trade networks and diplomacy in terms
of the shaping of cultures along the "Silk Road."
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Note: round up
half-points to
the nearest
whole number
for the final
grade.
Analysis (3 pts)
Communication (4 pts)
Structure (2 pts)
Style (2 pts)
3: student discusses all three aspects of the prompt
in appropriate historical context (4th-8th centuries)
using detailed analysis of appropriate case studies.
The relationships between different aspects of the
prompt (e.g. mercantile, diplomatic and religious
exchanges) are observed are analysed with careful
historical contextualisation. Arguments are
supported with appropriate primary evidence,
not just quoting modern authors, and analysed
in their own words.
2: Presentation of one idea at a time, followed by
evidence in support of that idea. Proper transition
between ideas. Clear introductory topic sentences
presenting main thesis, as well as a conclusion that
wraps up ideas presented and makes a broader
observation.
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
1.5
1
0.5
0
2: Proper grammar and spelling,
Formal tone and plain, clear language (writing for
strangers, not for friends)
Clear sentence syntax and structure
More than mere statement of facts without
commentary
Refraining from using repetitive statements
Correct and sufficient in-text references
Proper bibliographic style
Correct format, appropriate font, size and spacing.
Avoids statements of the obvious.
1.5
1
0.5
0