Paper Structure: The paper must adhere to the following structure. Part of this two-fold structure is to require students to learn, comprehend, and articulate a position that may not be their own prior to assessing such position. In How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler, he winsomely notes, You must be able to say I understand, before you can say I agree, or I disagree, or I suspend judgment.
Paper Introduction: 1 page
Identify and define the Religious Tradition
Identify the set of research questions that you aim to discuss
Overview of paper
History of the Religious Tradition: 2 pages
Detail the Origins of the religious tradition
Detail the broad contours of the origins to the currents of the religious tradition
Detail the current historical expression of the religious tradition
Doctrinal Beliefs of the Religious Tradition: 3 pages
Detail the Worldview assumptions of the religious tradition
Detail the essential theological beliefs of the religious tradition
Critically Analyze the Doctrine of Salvation: Christian Tradition with the Researched Religious Tradition: 1 Page
Document at least two systemic differences between the Christian tradition and the religious tradition
Critically Analyze the Religious Tradition: Christian Tradition with the Researched Religious Tradition: 3 Page
Document at least four systemic differences between the Christian tradition and the religious tradition
Critical engage how the Christian tradition responds to and engages with the systemic differences with the religious tradition
Reflective Conclusion: 1 Page
Use of Sources: The credibility of your research will depend in part on your bibliography. This is a “Works Consulted” bibliography, meaning that an item is included if it contributed significantly to your understanding of the research topic.
Each student must use a total of 7 sources, including the religious-traditions sacred text. Also, students must use three of the sources provided by the professor in the suggested resources section of the syllabus.
A note about sources:
Make use of a primary text per religious tradition. E.g., if writing on Islam, use the Quran; if writing on the Roman Catholic tradition, use the Christian Scriptures and Catholic Catechism; etc. Give quotations where needed. Provide citations as follows: Matt 24:14; Gen 12:13. These sources are a given and do not count for one of the four sources.
Use and cite four scholarly sources (Theological Dictionaries, Monographs, and Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles). Students may not use web resources, unless the professors give approval. At least three sources should be scholars and theologians from the perspective of your project (e.g., Use Muslim scholars when writing on Islam). Use at least one source from the Christian tradition to assist your evaluation with Christian theology.
If students need assistance finding particular sources or have questions regarding sources, please feel free to ask. Consult, also, the Suggested Resources at the end of the syllabus.
Paper Grade: Grade for paper will be based on the following:
Clarity of Research
Evidence of engagement with primary and secondary sources.
Arguments and clarity of communication.
Adherence to the assigned structure.
Use of Sources
Format and Writing
Religious Traditions: Exclusively select from the following religious traditions for your paper. If you have another religious tradition, seek approval prior to writing.
Roman Catholicism
Eastern Orthodoxy
Judaism
Islam
Buddhism
Hinduism
Jainism
Sikhism
Taoism and Confucianism
Mormonism
Jehovahs Witness
Scientology
Native American Religious Traditions
Last Completed Projects
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