Length: 1500-2000 words, in addition to a bibliography/works cited page
Formatting: Double –spaced, 12-pt font, Arial or Times New Roman Font

Bibliography: a minimum of 3 academic sources; preferably peer-reviewed publications and books. One of these must be a book reference. These academic sources are in addition to your textbook/weekly readings/lectures. Do not use Wikipedia as an Internet source.
Construct an argument to answer ONE of the following three questions:
Identify one of the religions covered in this course that emphasizes behavior/deeds over adherence to creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences in our current era. Then, compare it to another religion that you interpret as emphasizing the opposite, i.e., creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences over behavior/deeds. Explain the reasons for such possible differences in emphases by exploring underlying sociological and historical themes. What were major world events or cultural developments that may have led each of these religions to emphasize each of these particular aspects over the other?

Although Buddhism and Hinduism share similar beliefs, their approaches to the self, or the ‘soul’ are very different. Explain the metaphysical and practical distinctions between anatman and atman, and how these concepts tie into each religion’s unique approach to the sacred (god/gods) and the path to salvation. Make sure you specify which branches of Buddhism and Hinduism your analysis is tackling.
What is the meaning of the word Jihad in Islam? Select two distinct sects of Islam and explain key differences/similarities in the interpretation and practices of this term. What role, if any, does Jihad serve in the sects you have selected, in today’s world? How has this role changed from previous historical time periods and/or how has it remained the same?
The textbook and required readings will not have enough information about any of the topic questions above to formulate substantial responses. To succeed in this assignment, set aside sufficient time to research the chosen topic thoroughly.
• Length: 1500-2000 words, in addition to a bibliography/works cited page
• Formatting: Double-spaced, 12-pt font, Arial or Times New Roman Font
Bibliography: a minimum of 3 academic sources; preferably peer-reviewed publications and books. One of these must be a book reference. These
academic sources are in addition to your textbook/weekly readings/lectures. Do not use Wikipedia as an Internet source.
Construct an argument to answer ONE of the following three questions:
1. Identify one of the religions covered in this course that emphasizes behavior/deeds over adherence to creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences in our current
era. Then, compare it to another religion that you interpret as emphasizing the opposite, i.e., creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences over behavior/deeds.
Explain the reasons for such possible differences in emphases by exploring underlying sociological and historical themes. What were major world events
or cultural developments that may have led each of these religions to emphasize each of these particular aspects over the other?
2. Although Buddhism and Hinduism share similar beliefs, their approaches to the self, or the ‘soul are very different. Explain the metaphysical and practical
distinctions between anatman and atman, and how these concepts tie into each religion’s unique approach to the sacred (god/gods) and the path to
salvation. Make sure you specify which branches of Buddhism and Hinduism your analysis is tackling.
3. What is the meaning of the word Jihad in Islam? Select two distinct sects of Islam and explain key differences/similarities in the interpretation and
practices of this term. What role, if any, does Jihad serve in the sects you have selected, in today’s world? How has this role changed from previous
historical time periods and/or how has it remained the same?
The textbook and required readings will not have enough information about any of the topic questions above to formulate substantial responses. To succeed
in this assignment, set aside sufficient time to research the chosen topic thoroughly.
Points will be deducted for infractions of the following requirements-
How your paper will be graded:
The assignment will be evaluated based on: Research, Style, and Argument
• Research refers to the information in your paper. Is it correct? Is it detailed? Do you demonstrate basic knowledge of the religious tradition from which
the concept is taken? Is this knowledge evident in your description? You must use at least three academic sources in your paper. One of them must be a
book reference.
• Style refers to how that information is presented. This includes the way the information is organized and language skills such as spelling, grammar, and
proper sentence structure.
• Argument refers to the quality of your analysis, how well you support your