Write a 3000-word essay on ONE of the essay topics listed below. The essay should be properly referenced and include a separate bibliography.
The essay word count has a 10% leeway, which means 2750 – 3250 words are acceptable. It is strongly discouraged that you write an overtly lengthy essay. 3300 words is the top limit.
You MUST come up with an essay title. Remember, an essay title is NOT the same as a research question.
The readings listed here are suggestions. You are not required to base your essay on the materials suggested for each topic. You are free to look for material that better supports your argument or that is more accessible.
In writing the essay, make sure that you use only your own words. Refer to all your sources in footnotes or endnotes and attach a list of these sources as “Bibliography” to your essay. Both the Harvard and the APA system of referencing are acceptable.
Essay questions:
1). What were the aspects of the geography and ecology of Central Asia that led to the rise of pastoral nomadism and irrigation agriculture. Did they lead to trade?
This question asks you to look at trade along the Silk Road as conditioned by ecological factors. You might want to look at such factors as availability of water; mountain, oasis, desert steppe ecology; animal populations, plant distribution; as well as human interactions with both other groups and the environment.
