Religion assignment
jennyswufe
instructions.docxCourse name:
THE SEARCH FOR MEANING:
UNDERSTANDING ASIAN TRADITIONS
ESSAY QUESTIONS
The coursework essay offers an opportunity to conduct personal research on the topic chosen. The lectures will only give you a basic idea of these topics, so you need to carry out additional research. For useful literature consult the bibliography at the end of this schedule. The books listed in the bibliography contain useful information on further bibliographical sources. .
In your essay you are being asked to develop your own approach to the topic, and to choose what content to include.
The essay should have about 1,500 words and be on ONE of the topics from the TOPICS file below.
Answer ONE question
Hinduism:
1. To what extent is popular Hindu devotion an expression of the same religious tradition as is found in the Vedas?
2. What have been the major reforms to the Hindu tradition, and what has been their significance?
3. “All persons should be ready to accept the truth and give up untruth.” Explain the meaning and significance of this advice to devout Hindus.
Sikhism/Islam:
4. Discuss the early development of (what is now known as) Sikhism through an examination of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.
5. Discuss the argument that contemporary Sikhism emerged out of the nineteenth century, and in particular from British colonialism in India.
6. Discuss the distinctive features (such as history, community, national and religious differences, etc.) of Islam and Muslims in either South Asia and/or South East Asia.
Buddhism:
Make sure your essays are supported by references to both primary and secondary sources that were discussed in class/seminars. You are welcome to refer to sources of your choice as long as you provide proper references in footnotes and bibliographical details.
7. Select three episodes of the life-story of the Buddha that demonstrate the key concepts of the Buddhist world-view. Narrate them in brief while explaining the concepts that they demonstrate.
8. Describe the commonalities and the differences between Theravāda and Mahāyana traditions.
9. Explain the meaning of the term the Middle Way and its significance to Buddhist practice on the one hand and to the concept of emptiness in Mahāyana on the other hand.
