Assignment 1-REL212
Assignment 1: First Paper
Due Week 5 and worth 100 points
Choose ONE (1) of the categories listed below to focus on for this First Paper assignment. For your topic
you must demonstrate knowledge of the terms and concepts of Chapter 1 and incorporate them into
your paper.
a. Write a paper in which you compare and contrast two (2) major Eastern religions
(Hinduism; Buddhism; Taoism; Confucianism; Shinto) Begin your project with a clear and
focused thesis statement. Address the origins, region, main leaders, the particular
teachings/philosophies, rituals, scriptures, holidays/holy days, and impact of the
religions. Use the categories and terms from chapter 1 in your descriptions of the
religions.
b. Write a paper in which you feature a dialogue between Confucius and The Buddha.
Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Address these points:
origin/birth; what led to their ethical system; what is their ethical system; what was the
reaction to their new concepts. Compare and contrast their teachings/philosophies. Use
the terms and concepts from Chapter 1 to illuminate your dialogue.
c. Write a paper presenting a visual report on two (2) Eastern religions sites nearby (an
alternative for those in rural places would be to do an Internet search of two (2)
religious locations). Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Look
at architecture, interior space, etc. Include visuals to illustrate your points. How do
these reflect the definitions and terms of Chapter 1, and what we have learned about
these religions?
d. Conduct an extensive interview with a person who practices Eastern religions and write
a paper presenting the results of this interview. Begin your project with a clear and
focused thesis statement. Use these questions in your interview: How did you become
associated with this religion? What is it about this religion that intrigues you? Is it
difficult to practice your faith? What readings/scriptures do you use? What are some
rituals you perform? What holy days/holidays do you keep? What would you like your
neighbors/colleagues to know about your faith? Use the definitions and categories of
religion from Chapter 1 to guide the interview.
e. Write a paper that explores Indigenous religions. After an introduction with a clear and
focused thesis statement, set up a three-columned chart: one column for the basic
elements of religion; one for Indigenous religions, and one for the Eastern religion of
your choice (there are at least three that have Indigenous components/roots). Choose
what you believe are at least the five (5) basic elements of a religion, then see if they are
in Indigenous religions and an Eastern religion. Summarize your results in a concluding
paragraph and address these questions: Based on the terms and definitions of Chapter
1, are indigenous religions really religions? Using the information from Chapter 2, did
you find any indigenous religious elements in Eastern religions?
f. Write a paper that explores religion in the news. Find an extensive news story on one
Eastern religion or Indigenous religion. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis
statement. Using 5 (five) terms and concepts from Chapter 1 and pertinent chapters
from Fisher, interpret that story for people at a family gathering by explaining how it
relates to the basic tenets of that faith tradition.
Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:
1. Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the assignment and document your
sources using SWS Style for in-text citations and references. Note: Wikipedia and similar
websites do not qualify as quality resources.
2. Write clearly and coherently using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.
Your assignment must meet these requirements:
• This course requires use of new Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different from
other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for
details.
• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all
sides; citations and references must follow SWS or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s
name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Determine how the world views of major religions compare to each other and their impacts on
society.
• Outline the world views of major religions
Unacceptable Below 60% F
Meets Minimum Expectations 60- 69% D
Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A
1. The level to which the instructions were followed. Weight: 15%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 8.85 (8.85%) Did not submit or incompletely followed instructions.
Points Range:9 (9%) - 10.35 (10.35%) Insufficiently followed instructions.
Points Range:10.5 (10.5%) - 11.85 (11.85%) Partially followed instructions.
Points Range:12 (12%) - 13.35 (13.35%) Satisfactorily followed instructions.
Points Range:13.5 (13.5%) - 15 (15%) Thoroughly followed instructions.
2. The establishment of a clear thesis and the extent to which all parts in the topic were addressed. Weight: 20%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 11.8 (11.8%) Did not submit or incompletely established a thesis or address all parts in the topic.
Points Range:12 (12%) - 13.8 (13.8%) Insufficiently established a thesis or addressed all parts in the topic.
Points Range:14 (14%) - 15.8 (15.8%) Partially established a thesis and addressed all parts in the topic.
Points Range:16 (16%) - 17.8 (17.8%) Satisfactorily established a clear thesis and addressed all parts in the topic.
Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%) Thoroughly established a clear thesis and addressed all parts in the topic.
3. The adequacy of information, specific examples, and details which support the general thesis. Weight: 20%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 11.8 (11.8%) Did not submit or incompletely provided adequate information, specific examples, and details which support the general claim or main idea.
Points Range:12 (12%) - 13.8 (13.8%) Insufficiently provided adequate information, specific examples, and details which support the general claim or main idea.
Points Range:14 (14%) - 15.8 (15.8%) Partially provided adequate information, specific examples, and details which support the general claim or main idea.
Points Range:16 (16%) - 17.8 (17.8%) Satisfactorily provided information, specific examples, and details which support the general claim or main idea.
Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%) Thoroughly provided information, specific examples, and details which support the general claim or main idea.
4. The coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with relevant content and persuasive presentation. Weight: 20%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 11.8 (11.8%) Did not submit or incompletely provided coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with relevant content and persuasive presentation.
Points Range:12 (12%) - 13.8 (13.8%) Insufficiently provided coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with relevant content and persuasive presentation.
Points Range:14 (14%) - 15.8 (15.8%) Partially provided coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with relevant content and persuasive presentation.
Points Range:16 (16%) - 17.8 (17.8%) Satisfactorily provided coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with relevant content and persuasive presentation.
Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%) Thoroughly provided coherent organization of the points of comparison and the paper overall, with very relevant content and persuasive presentation.
5. Cite 3 references at minimum. Weight: 5%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 2.95 (2.95%) No references provided.
Points Range:3 (3%) - 3.45 (3.45%) Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor- quality choices.
Points Range:3.5 (3.5%) - 3.95 (3.95%) Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor- quality choices.
Points Range:4 (4%) - 4.45 (4.45%) Meets required number of references; all references high- quality choices.
Points Range:4.5 (4.5%) - 5 (5%) Exceeds required number of references; all references high-quality choices.
6. Clarity, writing mechanics, referencing, and Strayer Writing Standards formatting requirements, including a reference list and matching in-text citations. Weight: 20%
Points Range:0 (0%) - 11.8 (11.8%) More than 8 errors present, including problems of clarity, mechanics, and proper SWS formatting.
Points Range:12 (12%) - 13.8 (13.8%) 7-8 errors present, and some problems of clarity, mechanics, and proper SWS formatting.
Points Range:14 (14%) - 15.8 (15.8%) 5-6 errors present, with few problems of clarity, mechanics, and proper SWS formatting.
Points Range:16 (16%) - 17.8 (17.8%) 3-4 errors present, but generally good clarity, good mechanics, and proper SWS formatting.
Points Range:18 (18%) - 20 (20%) 0-2 errors present. Exhibits excellent clarity, mechanics, and SWS formatting.