religion wk1

Write a 750- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following topics:

• What is essential (in the practices and beliefs) for a tradition to be called a religion?
• Illustrate your points by referring to the commonalities of the three Western religions.
• How do different fields of study approach religion?
• What are some critical issues in the academic study of religion?

Include specific examples from the various religious traditions described in the Week 1 readings, such as a belief in one God or many gods and goddesses, church on Sunday, holy mountains, or the Quakers calling each other friends. You may also include examples from your own religious tradition or another religious tradition with which you are familiar.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Also, see rubric.

Rubric For The Evaluation Of “Studying Religion” Paper

CRITERIA

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Minimum Points

SATISFACTORY

Medium Points

EXCEPTIONAL

Maximum Points

CONTENT
(6 Points)

Write a 750- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following topics:

·
What is essential (in the practices and beliefs) for a tradition to be called a religion?

·
Illustrate your points by referring to the commonalities of the three Western religions.

·
How do different fields of study approach religion?

·
What are some critical issues in the academic study of religion?

The writer does not demonstrate cursory understanding of subject matter, and the purpose of the paper is not stated. The objective, therefore, is not addressed and supporting materials are not correctly referenced.

0 to 2.4 points

The writer demonstrates limited understanding of the subject matter in that theories are not well connected to a practical experience or appropriate examples, though the attempt to research the topic is evident, and materials are correctly referenced.

2.5 to 5.4 points

The writer demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter by clearly stating the objective of the paper and links theories to practical experience. The paper includes relevant material that is correctly referenced, and this material fulfills the objective of the paper.

5.5 to 7 points

Comments on Content

? of 7 points

You have fulfilled all/most/some of the objectives of the assignment with this ___ word paper. You had a section on …

ORGANIZATION
( 2 Points)

Paragraphs do not focus around a central point, and concepts are disjointedly introduced or poorly defended (i.e., stream of consciousness). The writer struggles with limited vocabulary and has difficulty conveying meaning such that only the broadest, most general messages are presented. There is no introduction or conclusion.

0 to .5 points

Topics/content could be organized in a more logical manner. Transitions from one idea to the next are often disconnected and uneven. The introduction does not give clear direction and the conclusion does not restate the main points and show how they explain the big idea.
Some words, transitional phrases, and conjunctions are overused. Ideas may be overstated, and sentences with limited contribution to the subject are included.

.6 to 1 points

The writer focuses on ideas and concepts within paragraphs, and sentences are well-connected and meaningful. Each topic logically follows the objective. The introduction clearly states the objective or ideas leading to the purpose of the paper, and a conclusion draws the ideas together.
The reading audience is correctly identified, demonstrated by appropriate language usage (i.e., avoiding jargon and simplifying complex concepts appropriately). Writing is concise, in active voice, and avoids awkward transitions and overuse of conjunctions.

1.1 to 1.5 points

Comments on Organization

? of 1.5 points

You do/do not have a clear organizational flow. You do/do not include an introduction and conclusion. You have clear main points… Your paragraph structure was….

Assistance on Content and Organization

For additional assistance with elements on content, please navigate to the Center for Writing Excellence > Tutorials and Guides section to review these documents:
· http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/688/01/ – Understanding Writing Assignments
· Sample Outline
· http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/689/01/ – Reverse outlining
· Automated Tool for Developing your Thesis Statement
· http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/ – Developing paragraphs

SPELLING, GRAMMAR, FORMAT, & PUNCTUATION
(2 Points)

• Paper is double-spaced
• 12-point font size
• 1” margins (top, bottom, right, left)
• Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier font

Title page includes paper title, student name, course, due date, and faculty name.

Intellectual property is recognized with in-text citations and a reference page, with little emphasis on correct formatting.

The writer demonstrates limited understanding of formal written language use; writing is colloquial (i.e., conforms to spoken language). Grammar and punctuation are consistently incorrect. Spelling errors are numerous.
The paper does not conform to APA incremental style guidelines.

0 to .5 points

The writer occasionally uses awkward sentence construction or overuses and/or inappropriately uses complex sentence structure. Problems with word usage (e.g., evidence of incorrect use of Thesaurus) and punctuation persist, often causing difficulties with grammar.
The paper does not conform completely to APA incremental style guidelines (e.g., margins, font, headings, headers, citations, references, according to the APA Manual).

.6 to 1 points

The writer demonstrates correct usage of formal English language in sentence construction. Variation in sentence structure and word usage promotes readability. There are no spelling, punctuation, or word usage errors.
The paper is correctly formatted to APA incremental style guidelines (e.g., margins, font, headings, headers, citations, references, according to the APA Manual).

1.1 to 1.5 points

Comments on Spelling, Grammar, Format, & Punctuation

? of 1.5 points

Your mechanics are fine/need help with…
You did/did not follow APA guidelines

Assistance on Spelling, Grammar, Format, & Punctuation

For additional assistance with elements of formatting, style and grammar – please navigate to the Center for Writing Excellence > Tutorials and Guides section to review these documents:
· Microsoft® Tips and Tools
· Formatting Tables and Figures
· Riverpoint Writer
· Grammar Guide section on Plagiarism
· Reference and Citation Examples
· Citation Generator
· Microsoft® Word Formatting Tutorial
· Title Page Template

STUDENT’S NAME ____________________________ GRADE _10___ out of __10___

ASSIGNMENT: “Studying Religion”