Theology 1000

Dr. Benjamin Winter

Religious Tradition Alternative Paper Breakdown

Format
 Times New Roman, 12 point
 One inch margins
 Double spaced (and no extra double space between paragraphs)
 If you cite a source, you must use a footnote and cite it according to guidelines of the
Chicago Manual of Style: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
 If you cite the Bible, place the reference in parentheses at the end of the sentence
 No bibliography or works cited page needed
 No title page needed

This assignment is worth 100 points (10% of your total grade) and is due by the beginning of class
on Nov 08. Please submit either on paper (printed).

Note: Proofread your paper! Have a friend look over your work and read the paper out loud to
yourself (you’d be surprised how many errors you will catch this way). In order to succeed, do not
turn in a paper right after you complete it; your writing will need revision and sharpening.

Prompt for Religious Tradition Alternative Paper

The goal of this paper is to help you explore a religious tradition that is not your own. While the
best way to do this is to attend a place of worship that is different from what you are used to, it is
also possible to learn more about the beliefs and practices of another religion through research.

First, pick a topic of interest to you. For example, you may want to learn more about Hinduism
and reincarnation; or Sufi mysticism and Islam; or the notion of Dharma in Taoism; or even prayer
to the saints in Christianity (assuming you did not grow up in a Christian environment). Contact
me if you are having trouble picking a topic—I would be happy to chat about your interests!

Second, go to http://libcat.slu.edu/ (SLU’s Library Catalog). Search for your topic and see if there
are any books available. If so, check out at least one (this will serve as one of your three required
sources). Citing at least one book source is required.

Third, go to http://libraries.slu.edu/search/databases/dbsearch.php?page=all (the “Databases”

page at SLU’s Library). Then click “ATLA Religion Database with ATLA Serials.” Before
searching on the next page, check “Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals,” under the “Limit Your
Results” line. Citing at least one article source via this method is required.

Fourth, you may use up to one internet source for this paper. Avoid Wikipedia—try to find a
source that is specifically written by someone from the tradition you are studying.
Finally, write a paper (750 words, at least 3 source-citations) about the religious teaching or
practice. Use third rather than first person. Pretend you are explaining the teaching or practice to
someone who knows nothing about it. Here are some questions to guide your essay: What are the
historical roots and origins of this practice or belief? What does this doctrine or practice
accomplish for a religious community? What questions does it raise, or answer? Bear in mind that
this paper is not a general overview of a religion. It must explain a specific teaching or practice.

Steps for Successful Writing

 Outline. This paper will require reflection and preparation—as all good writing does. In
order to ensure that your writing is logical and organized, it is essential to outline your
essay.
o In your essay outline, try to summarize each paragraph in one sentence.
o Organize your paper as follows: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion.

 In revising your draft check the following:

o Does the introduction paragraph indicate the essay’s themes?
o Check the flow of arguments, and transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
o Spelling and grammar.
o Avoid passive voice (e.g. verb phrases such as “was ___ing”)
o Be concise. Avoid filler; get to the point.
o Avoid repetition of the same words and phrases. Vary your vocabulary.
o Avoid “really” and “very.”
o Do not use overly colloquial language or slang.

Grading Breakdown

Content (60 points) – What is the

substance of the paper?
Topic (30 points) – fulfills assigned
requirements by addressing prompt
Breadth (20 points) – covers the
subject matter in depth, shows
critical reasoning
Introduction (5 points) – clearly
indicates paper’s direction and
themes
Conclusion (5 points) – ends essay
in an intelligible manner, revisits
main themes

Form (40 points) – How is the content

conveyed?
Guidelines and spelling (10 points)
 Grammar (10 points) – proper use
of phrases, sentences
Paragraph architecture (10 points)
– transitions, topic sentences to
make argument intelligible
Readability (10 points) – argument
is easily understandable

Grade (out of 100 points)