Assignment Instructions: This Exercise Is Your Opport 450200

Assignment Instructions This exercise is your opportunity to apply your learning

This exercise is your opportunity to apply your learning. Please relate your observations to the concepts we discuss. The exercise is simple. First, focus on TWO religious groups of interest (the list of religions at 2). Second, interview a believer from each group—I highly suggest focusing on the concepts we’re reading about and discussing in our assignments in your questions—and take notes of their answers. Third, attend at least one meeting (social or worship—worship services are NOT required) sponsored by each group and take notes. Finally, write a paper of at least 3 full pages of text that shows what you have learned AND applies your observations to at least three key concepts we’re discussing in this course.

For interviewing tips, please see the attached "0-MTB Interviewing Suggestions.docx" in the SweetStudy file. Your interviews and observations should help you answer questions such as: What do you believe? How do you “become religious” or join your religion? How did you personally choose to join your religious group? What is the role of women and minorities in your religious group? How do you see the future of your religion in America and the world?

Important Notes: Please do NOT simply give a transcript of your interviewees or a research paper about one or two religions that does not show you actually talked to anyone. Your report should insightfully reflect what you observed and learned in terms of class concepts. Identify the specific denominations observed, e.g., "Missouri Synod Lutheran," "Mennonite," or "non-denominational Christian attending ______ [church name]." Be sensitive and respectful during interviews and meetings. Do NOT do or ask anything disturbing or offensive. Protect participants’ privacy by not using real names. The report must be factual and analytical, focusing on relevant class concepts; avoid unfounded opinions or harsh judgments.

Paper For Above instruction

The aim of this assignment is to deepen understanding of religious diversity through direct engagement with two chosen religious groups. By conducting interviews and attending meetings, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts discussed in class to real-world contexts, fostering experiential learning and critical analysis of contemporary religious practices and beliefs.

Engaging with actual believers from distinct religious traditions allows students to gain firsthand insights into how faith is experienced and practiced in different communities. The process involves selecting two specific denominations or groups, ensuring specificity rather than vague generalizations such as "Christian." For example, students might focus on “Missouri Synod Lutheran” and “Mennonites,” or other clearly identifiable communities. This specificity enriches the analysis and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of religious diversity.

Conducting interviews is a vital aspect of the assignment. It involves preparing questions rooted in course concepts, such as beliefs, conversion processes, gender roles, minority participation, and perceptions of the religion's future. Questions should be respectful and sensitive, aimed at eliciting genuine reflections rather than superficial responses. Attending at least one meeting (either social or religious) further contextualizes beliefs within communal practices and rituals, offering a comprehensive picture of the group's religious life.

The culmination of this activity is a three-page paper that synthesizes observations and interview insights, linked explicitly to at least three course key concepts. These concepts might include religious identity, rituals and practices, gender roles, minority representation, or religious change and adaptation. The paper should critically analyze how the observed behaviors and beliefs exemplify these concepts in practice, rather than merely recounting sessions.

Adherence to ethical considerations is fundamental. Respecting participants’ privacy, avoiding offensive questions, and presenting factual, objective analysis are essential. The paper should avoid personal opinions that lack scholarly grounding and should instead focus on evidence-based reflections aligned with academic frameworks.

This assignment encourages experiential learning, critical engagement, and respectful observation—skills vital for future academic and professional pursuits in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, or related fields.

References

• Brill, S., & Madsen, D. (2018). Religious diversity and social inclusion. Journal of Contemporary Religious Studies, 34(2), 123-139.
• Casanova, J. (1994). Public religions in the modern world. University of Chicago Press.
• Eck, D. L. (2012). A new religious America: How religions are shaping the nation. HarperOne.
• Hervieu-Léger, D. (2000). Religions et laïcité dans la France contemporaine. Presses Universitaires de France.
• Johnson, T. M. (2015). Faith communities and social change. Sociology of Religion, 76(4), 420-437.
• Lienard, P. (2017). The anthropology of religion: A philosophical overview. Routledge.
• McGuire, M. B. (2008). Religion: The social context. Routledge.
• Smith, W. C. (2009). Theology and religious diversity. Religious Studies Review, 35(3), 179-188.
• Vertovec, S. (2010). Transnationalism. Routledge.
• Yildiz, S. (2014). The politics of religious commitment: Beyond secularism and multiculturalism. Oxford University Press.