Instructions for Paper #2 In this academic research paper you are to describe the history, development, and significance of one religious doctrine, era of a religion’s history, or important religious figure (other than Jesus). The proposal for this paper is due by Wednesday, March 1, although it may be submitted earlier. The proposal is to include the title of your paper, a topic sentence or thesis statement, a broad outline (2-3 Roman numerals), and 2-3 resources you plan on using. You can certainly add other resources later, I simply want to see where you’re thinking of starting. One resource must be and article from a scholarly journal. The Library Presentation on Canvas and the CVCC librarians can help you locate such resources. Only one resource may be a website and blog posts are rarely acceptable resources for research papers. The paper is due Friday, April 21. The paper is to be 1,500-2,000 words. Put the word count in parentheses at the end of the paper. Points will be deducted if the paper is significantly under or over the required length. Proper spelling and grammar are required. Plagiarism will result in a grade of 0. Possible Topics These are only suggestions to get you started, not an exhaustive list. My hope is that you’ll choose a topic that’s of special interest to you. Eastern Religions Teachings: Four Noble Truths, karma, samsara, moksha, nirvana History: Vedic period of Hinduism, spread of Buddhism, Key figure: Buddha, Confucius, Laozi, Judaism Doctrines: creation, monotheism, covenant, sacrifice, History: the Exodus, the monarchy, the diaspora, the Holocaust Key figure: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses Christianity Doctrines: incarnation, resurrection, atonement, Trinity History: the early church, the medieval church, the Protestant Reformation Key figure: Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin Islam Doctrines: the shahadah, the Five Pillars, the Qur’an, Sufism History: early expansion of Islam, Sunni vs. Shia, rise of Islamic fundamentalism Key figure: Mohammed, Abu Bakr, Ayatollah Khomeini Other A new religious movement; a key atheist thinker; compare and contrast similar doctrines (e.g. creation) in different religions.
