REL 2553: Comparative Religions (Spring 2009)

Research Paper Instructions

-The research paper should be four (4) pages in length, excluding the bibliography. The paper should have 1” margins. It is up to you to choose single or double spacing. The grade will not be based on which spacing option you have used, but it will be based on the quality of the content. If you can write a quality and convincing paper using double spacing, this will be acceptable.

-Use at least six (6) sources to write the paper. These sources should be listed in a bibliography at the end of the paper. Quotations and references in the text of the paper should be cited. Only authoritative web sites and published material (books and articles) will be accepted. The citations and bibliography can be formatted in any style that you wish (APA, MLA, Turabian, Chicago, etc.), but please be consistent in the formatting.

-Select one of the two options to complete the research paper assignment:

1. Topical paper. If you choose a topical paper, the instructor will need to approve the topic.
2. Position paper responding to the book chapter entitled “Does Religion Make People Behave Better?,” which is on Library reserve and e-reserve. If choosing this option you will be asked to agree and/or disagree with the issues or position taken in this chapter, by citing the beliefs, and/or practices, and/or promises, and/or activities, etc., of at least two of the religions studied in this course.

-The research paper is worth 25 points, and is due at the time of the final exam.