CRS 217 Assignment one:
1000-1250 words in length, typewritten and double-spaced. Due in class on Thursday, October 9. Late papers will be marked down in grade according to degree of lateness.
Please answer this question: how do you define a “world religion”? For that matter, how would you define religion? Discuss what makes a religion count as a world religion, and address why we use this term. How did this term originate?
Think of the three religions introduced in the first half of this term—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Does the term “world religion” seem adequate to describe them or is it misleading in any way?
Would any religious practices not be included by the term “world religion”? Would any religions not be considered world religions?
Please discuss how the doctrine, history, or present-day practices of any of the three religions mentioned here might exemplify our definition of a world religion.
How unified or diverse are any of these world religions? Provide examples from the lectures and readings to support your response.
In your discussion, you may draw from your lecture notes, and from the Esposito reading and other readings.
Also please cite any three of the articles posted in Drop Box for this class for this assignment (aside from Esposito)—see the links sent by email. Cite the articles to provide examples to support your discussion, so please be sure to mention the relevance of the articles you choose for your essay.
You may use different sources (articles, chapters, or books) instead of any of these, if you prefer, but please be sure to cite them as well. Either way, cite at least three sources in your discussion.
Include a separate page to list your three (or more) sources, using the standard format.
Anyone may optionally write on a different topic of their own choice that relates to one or more of the three religions discussed in the first half of the term—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In that case, please consult the instructor first. If you write on your own theme, please be sure to also cite any three sources, either from the Drop Box list or of your own choice.
For all papers, please pay attention to spelling, grammar, and clarity, as this will make it easier for your reader to follow the discussion.