Each reading reflection should be a minimum of 4 pages (double-spaced) and should include the following components: a brief recap of the main points of that module, personal critical reflections and analysis, and the use of at least two other scholarly sources (NOT from the class readings). The minimum length of 4 pages does NOT include a title page or bibliography (which should be separate pages).
The recap may include a brief summary of the module as a whole OR it may focus on one specific topical unit (i.e. the specific lecture/reading on televangelism). Additionally, the summary should be relatively short and concise as the critical reflections are the most important component of this assignment. Students may wish to address the following questions: How do specific forms of media (articles, internet sites, TV shows, movies, or music) portray specific religion traditions? Are these portrayals accurate or do they reflect common stereotypes? How do religious traditions employ different forms of media? Is there a political component to these representations?
Format: Please format your submission using the following parameters: 12-point new times roman, default margins, and double spaced. Please include a title page with the course number, your name, student number, and assignment title. Also be sure to use in-text citations (MLA, APA, or Chicago are all acceptable) and include a separate bibliography. In-text citations are required for both direct quotes and paraphrased sections where you have included content from a source.
Question:
This response will focus on musical references in popular music. Students should select either song lyrics or an album cover and analyze the religious content. This can build on what you posted in the discussion question OR it can deal with an entirely different example – the choice is up to you!
As with all other reading responses, you will need to use a scholarly article (at least 2) to support your analysis. You might consider any of the following questions in your response: How is religion presented in the song/album cover? Is there a positive or negative viewpoint? Does it appear as though the artist identifies with a particular religious tradition? How are certain ideas/images appropriated and perhaps altered to suit the message of the song/image? How might the depiction deviate from ‘normative’ or traditional understandings of a particular religious tradition?
Your discussion can focus on other issues as well but these are just a few examples of questions you will want to consider.
