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- There are two major types of writing assignments for this
course that require work outside of class, the Short Essays
(10% each) and your Research Paper (30%). Directions for
these assignments will be posted in the second week of the
class. Further information and suggested topics for the
Research Paper are available from the Research tab to the
left.
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- If you are interested in writing an extra credit report,
use the link to the left for directions and a list of eligible
events.
Short
Essays
You will write three short, 4-5 page essays during the quarter,
one for each of our three major units. In these papers, you
will take the theoretical model we have been discussing in class
and apply it to the unit readings. Each essay is 20% of your
grade and will be submitted on the due date in two formats:
electronically to TurnItIn.com (see below) and in hard copy
during class (follow the online Style
Sheet for proper format). The paper may not be
submitted to the professor by email. You have until midnight
on the due date to submit your paper to TurnItIn.com.
That three-step procedure will be demonstrated in class:
- set up your personal profile
- add our class (the class ID and password are printed on the bottom of the first page of your syllabus)
- select the appropriate assignment and submit your paper (you can upload it or cut and paste it into a window).
The topic for each of the papers differs:
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Short
Essay #1 |
Thursday,
January 20 |
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Define
myth using Malinowski's functional definition, supplemented
with Hughes. Then apply the definition to two biblical
myths and two "civil" myths in the United States
today. Remember: since Malinowski's definition is a functional
definition, you have to demonstrate that the story functions
in a variety of concrete ways in the society in order
to prove that it is a myth for that society. |
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Short
Essay #2 |
Thursday,
February 24 |
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Present
Bell's definition of ritual performance, and then apply
it to one major ritual in the Oresteia. Remember that
the rituals embedded in the dramatic narrative are themselves
part of a larger ritual performance. Finally, use Mikalson
to compare/ contrast Aeschylus' dramatization of your
chosen ritual with the actual existence/practice of that
ritual in Greek popular religion. |
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Short
Essay #3 |
By
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 |
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Using
the readings from February 24, explore the correlations
of religion and violence in either the fundamentalist
constructions of the jihad tradition or in Mel Gibson's
movie. Structure your essay around the two aspects of
religion we have studied in depth, namely, the particular
use and function of myth and the characteristics and functions
of ritual performance. |
The essays will be evaluated using the following rubric:
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Objective
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Unacceptable
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Marginal
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Acceptable
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Exemplary
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| Quality
and Control of Argument |
The central
concept and/or the required examples are not accurately
comprehended or represented. |
The concept
and/or the applications show some lack of comprehension.
References to the required course readings are thin. |
The concept
and the applications of it to various examples are present,
but some could be developed more clearly. Reference to the range of course readings covered in the unit could be strengthened. |
Strong opening
and concluding paragraphs, accurate and clearly articulated
definition of core concept, appropriate and well-developed
examples. Demonstrates comprehension of course topic by
breadth and accuracy of reference to the course readings. |
| Clarity
of Expression |
Poor
grammar and spelling seriously impede effective communication. |
Grammar and
spelling are a problem, but your ideas are nevertheless
apparent. |
Occasional
grammar and spelling problems, but good variation in sentence
styles. |
No grammar
and spelling errors, variety of sentence styles. |
| Comprehension
and Integration of Sources |
Discussion
of quotations or references indicates poor comprehension
of them. Some citations dropped in to paper but not introduced
or discussed (you need to show the reader exactly how
they relate to your argument). Serious problems with citations
in notes and/or bibliography. |
Comprehension
of sources is adequate, but there are some problems in
how you've integrated them in your paper, such as lack
of appropriate correlation to your argument in that particular
paragraph, or inadequate citation. |
Good comprehension
and citation of the sources, but the integration into
your argument could be improved. |
Excellent
comprehension of sources. Citations never overtake paragraph,
but are well introduced and their implications for your
argument are discussed clearly. All source references
and quotations are cited properly in notes. |
| Format
and Style |
Failure to
conform paper to Style Sheet. |
Some serious
problems in notes, bibliography, margins, or type face
size. |
Margins, type
face and general format fine; some problems with note
or bibliography style. |
Paper conforms
to Style Sheet. |
| Timely
Submission |
Hard copy
and/or electronic copy are late. |
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Both hard
and soft copies are on time and complete. |
Research
Presentations
In the second week, you will choose a group of
3-4 other students with whom to do a short research
project in lieu of a midterm exam. This project
will explore the function of earlier scripture
in a myth in modern Israel. The professor will post some possible topics at the Research link during the third week, and research teams will select topics by a combination of choice and lottery at that time.
This oral project counts for 15% of your grade: 10% for the
content and presentation of your portion, and 5% for the group
grade. Your entire group should plan to offer the class a
one-sided, one-page handout, but otherwise you will not submit
anything written for this assignment; it is entirely an oral
grade. (If you get the outline to the professor by 9:00 a.m.
on the day of your presentation, she will take care of xeroxing
it for the class; otherwise, please bring 39 copies.) The
presentations will be evaluated based on the following rubric
(the first two objectives are for each individual, while the
last two apply to the group as a whole):
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Objective
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Unacceptable
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Marginal
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Acceptable
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Exemplary
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| Evidence
of outside research with professional sources |
Your sources
are inadequate or entirely lacking, or you do not comprehend
or explain them well. |
You integrate
only one outside source, or 2 that are popular rather
than professional. |
You mention
and summarize adequately 2 outside professional sources
for your part of the presentation. |
You mention
and accurately summarize 2 outside professional sources
for your part of the presentation. |
| Clarity
of Expression |
You
speak too quietly and in a monotone, and the logic and
content of your presentation is unclear. |
Your presentation
is unclear or interrupted by pauses or unnecessary words. |
You have solid
material, but are hesitant or quiet in your delivery. |
You speak
clearly and with adequate volume; you know what you want
to say and you deliver it well. |
| Handout |
The entire
handout lacks precision. |
Two or more
parts of the presentation are inadequately outlined for
the class. |
Covers most
parts of your presentation well. |
Sticks to
one side of a page and concisely but completely guides
the class through your presentation. |
| Flow |
Group members
have not planned the presentation in advance and do not
deliver it well. |
Some students
are unprepared, and the group as a whole shows some confusion
about the order. |
The presentation
runs smoothly for most parts. |
Presentation
is well-organized ahead of time; all members know what
to do and when. |
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