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PROMPT: For the ‘Prospectus’ assignment, you will write a thesis statement (100-150 words) on a topic

we’ve touched upon in HIST 1400 but not investigated fully. To support your thesis, you will summarize how
you’d use: 1 major ‘introductory’ scholarly book/volume, 2 scholarly articles/chapters/books, and 3 primary
sources (texts, archaeological finds, works of art, etc.). All this is designed to help you research/prepare for
future courses that may ask for a formal research essay.

User HarryM
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Answer:

Thesis Statement

Explanation: The impact of the Silk Road on cultural exchange and economic development in ancient China is a topic that deserves further investigation.

To support my thesis, I would use Peter Frankopan's "The Silk Roads: A New History of the World" as an introductory book to provide an overview of the historical significance and impact of the Silk Road. Additionally, I would use two scholarly articles/chapters/books; one being Valerie Hansen's "The Silk Road: A New History with Documents," which focuses on the role of Buddhism in facilitating trade along the Silk Road and its influence on Chinese culture. The other is Xinru Liu's "The Silk Road in World History," which explores how advancements in technology and communication facilitated cross-cultural exchanges between East Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Furthermore, I would also incorporate primary sources such as archaeological finds like silk textiles excavated from tombs at Mawangdui in Changsha, China, that demonstrate the extent of luxury goods traded along the Silk Road. Additionally, I would analyze texts such as Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" for accounts of Emperor Wu's diplomatic missions to Central Asia to establish trade relations.

Overall, by examining both secondary sources and primary sources related to this topic, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural exchange and economic development were impacted by the Silk Road in ancient China.

User Stu Sztukowski
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