“Religion is arguably a culture’s most potent force, both constructively and destructively. Explain and discuss, based on the readings, what is the future of religion?”
Your essay must be a minimum of 2500 words, it has to be based on the readings, chapter summaries, slides, and other materials from this class.
Your essay must be organized and focused. You should utilize critical thinking and try to be original. Use as many of our class readings and any other relevant sources as necessary.
Cite all your sources appropriately and use Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style.
Your answers will be evaluated based on the following criteria: organization, focus, critical thinking, original thinking, use of research if necessary, logic, appropriate mode of structure and analysis (e.g., comparison, argument), format, correct use of sources, grammar and mechanics, professional tone, correct use of course-specific concepts and terms, and depth of coverage.
Your basic format can be something like this:
Introduction: Raise the key question and announce your thesis.
Background: Present the necessary literary or historical or religious context of the question.
Development: Present your own insight in a clear and logical way. Marshal evidence to support your thesis and develop it further by offering examples from your primary sources citing or discussing authorities to bolster your argument contrasting your thesis with other treatments, either historical or contemporary, confirming it by showing how it makes good sense of the data or answers related questions or solves previous puzzles.
