This document outlines an assignment for a religion course. Students must choose one of several paper topics focusing on Eastern religions. The topics include comparing and contrasting two major Eastern religions; writing a dialogue between Confucius and Buddha; presenting on two Eastern religion sites; interviewing a practitioner of Eastern religions; exploring indigenous religions; or analyzing a news story about an Eastern or indigenous religion. The paper must be 2-3 pages, cite at least 3 quality sources using SWS style, and address the learning outcomes of determining how world views of major religions compare and outlining those world views.

1. Assignment 1: First Paper
Due Week 5 and worth 100 points
Choose
ONE (1)
of the categories listed below to focus on for this First Paper
assignment. For your topic you must demonstrate knowledge of
the terms and concepts of Chapter 1 and incorporate them into
your paper.
Write a paper in which you compare and contrast two (2) major
Eastern religions (Hinduism; Buddhism; Taoism; Confucianism;
Shinto) Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis
statement. Address the origins, region, main leaders, the
particular teachings/philosophies, rituals, scriptures,
holidays/holy days, and impact of the religions. Use the
categories and terms from chapter 1 in your descriptions of the
religions.
Write a paper in which you feature a dialogue between
Confucius and The Buddha. Begin your project with a clear and
focused thesis statement. Address these points: origin/birth;
what led to their ethical system; what is their ethical system;
what was the reaction to their new concepts. Compare and
contrast their teachings/philosophies. Use the terms and
concepts from Chapter 1 to illuminate your dialogue.

2. Write a paper presenting a visual report on two (2) Eastern
religions sites nearby (an alternative for those in rural places
would be to do an Internet search of two (2) religious
locations). Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis
statement. Look at architecture, interior space, etc. Include
visuals to illustrate your points. How do these reflect the
definitions and terms of Chapter 1, and what we have learned
about these religions?
Conduct an extensive interview with a person who practices
Eastern religions and write a paper presenting the results of this
interview. Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis
statement. Use these questions in your interview: How did you
become associated with this religion? What is it about this
religion that intrigues you? Is it difficult to practice your faith?
What readings/scriptures do you use? What are some rituals you
perform? What holy days/holidays do you keep? What would
you like your neighbors/colleagues to know about your faith?
Use the definitions and categories of religion from Chapter 1 to
guide the interview.
Write a paper that explores Indigenous religions. After an
introduction with a clear and focused thesis statement, set up a
three-columned chart: one column for the basic elements of
religion; one for Indigenous religions, and one for the Eastern
religion of your choice (there are at least three that have
Indigenous components/roots). Choose what you believe are at
least the five (5) basic elements of a religion, then see if they
are in Indigenous religions and an Eastern religion. Summarize
your results in a concluding paragraph and address these
questions: Based on the terms and definitions of Chapter 1, are
indigenous religions really religions? Using the information
from Chapter 2, did you find any indigenous religious elements
in Eastern religions?
Write a paper that explores religion in the news. Find an

3. extensive news story on one Eastern religion or Indigenous
religion. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis
statement. Using 5 (five) terms and concepts from Chapter 1
and pertinent chapters from Fisher, interpret that story for
people at a family gathering by explaining how it relates to the
basic tenets of that faith tradition.
Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:
Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the
assignment and document your sources using SWS Style for in-
text citations and references. Note: Wikipedia and similar
websites do not qualify as quality resources.
Write clearly and coherently using correct grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.
Your assignment must meet these requirements:
This course requires use of new
Strayer Writing Standards (SWS)
. The format is different from other Strayer University courses.
Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for
details.
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references
must follow SWS or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the

4. date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:
Determine how the world views of major religions compare to
each other and their impacts on society.
Outline the world views of major religions.
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