AHIS 1115 History of Asian Arts I
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THE STORY OF INDIA VIDEO RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT
AHIS 1115 History of Asian Arts I
In this assignment, you will start by watching the six-part video series, The Story of India, by the
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This series is an excellent introduction to the time
periods studied in this course along with the artistic, cultural, economic, political, and
technological developments that emerge within these specific periods. The six episodes are
structured chronologically and start at the Indus Valley Civilization (Episode #1) and end with
the Independence of India (Episode #6). Within each time period the narrator, Michael Wood,
takes the viewer on a journey of the key moments in the development of the story of India.
Enjoy!
Format:
I recommend that after watching the full series you pick one episode and find the corresponding
unit in the syllabus. For example, if you pick episode six, then, the corresponding unit is “The
European Encounter.” You are free to choose whatever episode you want, this is just an
example. Once you have chosen your episode and the equivalent unit from the syllabus you will
pick a reading from that unit. Next, you will compare and contrast the reading with the episode.
You are supposed to critique the episode and the reading. So, ask questions of the material. Is the
narrator accurate, is the author of the reading saying something different, are they both saying
the same thing, is there more that can be asked from the material, and so on. These questions will
emerge from your argument (which is your thesis statement).
In a nutshell your format should be: Introduction, Summary of the episode and the reading,
Comparison (i.e. similarities and differences) between episode and reading, your Critique of
the comparison, and Conclusion.
Grading Rubric:
1. Thesis statement, i.e. a clearly articulated argument that runs through the course of the
paper: 20 points
2. Summary of the video series and the chosen reading, i.e. a brief review in your own
words: 15 points
3. Comparison between the video and reading, i.e. noting differences and similarities
between the text and video, qualifying those differences and similarities based on your
knowledge from the readings and lecture materials: 25 points
4. Organization, i.e. clear introduction, transition sentences, conclusion, and so on: 20
points
5. Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation: 10 points
6. Formatting & Citations, i.e. font size, font type, page numbers, title, citations (both
footnotes and bibliography): 10 points
AHIS 1115 History of Asian Arts I
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Essentials:
The following are essential to doing well on this assignment. Remember following instructions
will lead to higher points in the categories mentioned under “Grading Rubric.”
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Your assignment should be between 800-1000 words, i.e. 3-4 pages double spaced.
You should either use the font Times New Roman or Garamond in size 12 for your
papers.
The pages on your assignment should be numbered on the top right (remember to use the
same font for the page numbers that you will be using for the body of your paper).
The title page should be appropriately titled. Please do not use font sizes over 14 for your
title page.
Your assignment should have a title.
Your assignment should have a clear argument, this is usually mentioned at the start of
the essay as follows: “In this paper, I will argue…”
Based on your argument you will provide a summary of the episode and the chosen
reading.
You will then compare and contrast the reading with your chosen episode.
You will provide a conclusion based on your understanding of the video and the reading
as to what both the narrator and the author of the reading trying to suggest.
Do not use sub-headings for this paper, as it is a short assignment.
Deadline:
May 20, 2020 you will be submitting the assignment through D2L.