AA100A The Arts Past and Present

AA100A
The Arts Past and Present
TMA
First Semester 2016-2017
Cut-off date: Week 10
TMA
Format and Word Count:
The student’s work should be presented in an ESSAY of around 1200 words.
Referencing:
The essay should include a list of references (print and electronic) at the end in addition to in-text referencing as per the requirements of the Harvard Referencing System. Proper referencing is a serious academic requirement and skill and will be rewarded accordingly.
Writing and Discussion Topic:
The construction of any reputation is a complex process. This process is made more difficult when the sources for a particular reputation contest and compete with one another. This occurrence cannot be more true than in the case of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader / hypocrite, depending on the source of information we are quoting. Discuss the reputation of the Dalai Lama and the issues involved in its making. First, you should read to build your understanding of the complex theme of reputation before focusing your attention on material that would help you address the subthemes numbered 1-5 below, as they apply to the Dalai Lama:
1) Highlight the issues involved in setting the Dalai Lama in his historical context.

2) Discuss the Western view of the Dalai Lama and how it contributed to his reputation.

3) Discuss the Chinese government’s view of the Dalai Lama and how it contributed to his reputation.

4) Investigate the interplay of religious, personal and political qualities/factors in the construction of the Dalai Lama’s reputation.

5) Reflect on how “flattening complexities” account for the emergence of competing reputations.



Guidance on Addressing the Topic:
Before you embark on writing the essay, you need to read carefully Book 1 Reputations in order to familiarize yourself with the topic at large and make use of the skills presented in the book when writing your essay. You are strongly advised to consult sources on the topic and widen your knowledge of the topic under consideration, but it is of the utmost importance to document any words or ideas that are not your own. Once you have the material ready, it is advisable that you follow the steps (1-5) indicated in the section above to avoid omitting sub-questions. Although Unit 7 of Book 1 on the Dalai Lama is of immediate relevance to the TMA topic, you should demonstrate your knowledge of the complexity of the overarching concept of reputation as presented in all the units and not limit treatment solely to a particular treatment appearing in a single unit.