2-2 Module Two Short Paper: Religions

HIS 301 Module Two Short Paper Guidelines and Rubric

Understanding religious belief helps us to see the reason for dynamic growth in Asian, African, and European cultures. Select either three of the religions that have been covered in Module Two (Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto), or three religions within the regions studied thus far, for comparison. For instance, Judaism or Viking mythology might not appear in the module itself, but including either in the paper is encouraged. In a two-page paper, draw parallels and contrasts among these religions according to the theme of your choice: ritual, social values, authority, or economic influence. You will need to summarize each religion’s relationship with your chosen theme to draw conclusions about the relative comparisons at the end of your paper.

You may consider deities, prayer, sacrifice, ritual, administrative structure, or influence as a way to focus your comparison of these religions. Ultimately, what do these religions tell us about the historical culture in which they were followed?

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a two- to three-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and at least three sources cited in Chicago/Turabian format. Note: The paper must include the description of world religions from 3000 BCE to 900 CE.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Religion Proposal Describes world religions from 3000 BCE to 900 CE

Describes each religion; however, religions are inaccurate according to the assignment required dates

Does not identify or describe three world religions between 3000 BCE to 900 CE

20

Theme Meets “Proficient” criteria and the historical theme for each religion is substantiated with research-based evidence

Identifies a social or historical theme for each religion, including but not limited to: rituals, social values, authority, economic influence

Social or historical theme for each religion is identified but requires more research from primary sources

Does not identify a social or a historical theme

20

Compare and Contrast

Meets “Proficient” criteria and contrasts and comparisons suggested for each religion are substantiated with research- based evidence

Compares and contrasts the selected religions based on the chosen theme and emphasizes both their common traits and distinctive historical differences

Either compares or contrasts the religions, or each description lacks details and does not emphasize both their common traits and distinctive historical differences (55%)

Does not compare or contrast the religions

20

Historical Context Meets “Proficient” criteria and explains the historical context for the religious differences while substantiating claims with scholarly evidence

Explains the historical context for these religious differences and what the religions tell us about the historical culture in which they were followed

Explains the historical context for the religious differences but does not specifically describe the historical culture in which they were followed

Does not explain or describe the historical context for these religions or their differences

20

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

20

Earned Total 100%