Project Summary: Paper should be 8-10 pages, double spaced, in-text citations, introduce topic with a thesis statement Animals and Culture: The research topic I chose to focus on is pertaining to the Chinese Zodiac Signs/Symbols. There are 12 animal representations that each represent a year out of the 12 year cycle. However, the main focus would be on four zodiac signs. Try to keep boundaries on this. as this will need to be analytical - and make sure it is contemporary - the history can only be a context or background. The symbolism in the zodiac and how it is used today - what it MEANS TODAY - would work. This must, though, be tied into a contemporary CULTURE. It can't be an encyclopedia study of the symbols and animals alone.