Religion 201 Spring 2017 About Your Term Paper

Religion 201spring 2017about Your Term Paperyour Term Paper Is Due

Your term paper should be a 6 to 8-page research paper focused on a topic related to Asian religious traditions that interests you. It can be a subject you are excited about or one that puzzles or fascinates you, but it must be relevant to Asian religious traditions. The paper should provide background information on the chosen topic, demonstrate its relevance to a particular religious tradition, and discuss its overall significance to you. If you select a biographical topic, such as Gandhi or the Dalai Lama, you should contextualize their lives within their religious tradition and illustrate how they exemplify it. You must include bibliographic sources, with at least three non-internet scholarly sources such as books, peer-reviewed journal articles, or encyclopedias. Internet sources are permitted but should not be the sole references. The bibliography can be formatted in any style, but proper citation is essential. Sources from Hamersly library collections or through Summit interlibrary loan are recommended. The paper must focus on topics from Eastern religious traditions, excluding monotheistic Abrahamic faiths like Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing the right topic for a term paper on Asian religious traditions is crucial to both engagement and academic success. Given the broad spectrum of traditions within Asia — including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, Jainism, and others — the student should aim to explore an area that not only interests them but also allows for meaningful analysis and contextualization within the tradition. To achieve this, selecting a specific theme such as ritual practices, beliefs about reincarnation, or the role of spiritual masters can provide a focused framework for research and discussion.

A compelling approach to this assignment involves starting with a subject that resonates personally or intellectually. For instance, exploring the significance of meditation in Zen Buddhism can uncover insights into the tradition's understanding of mind and enlightenment. Alternatively, examining the role of festivals such as Diwali or Obon offers cultural and religious insights, highlighting how community and spirituality intersect. Such topics lend themselves well to research, as there is rich scholarly literature available that provides historical background, cultural context, and contemporary relevance.

In preparing the paper, the student should begin by offering a historical overview of the chosen topic, situating it within the development of the religious tradition. This sets the foundation for analyzing its significance, functions, and variations across different contexts. For example, a paper on the concept of karma might explore its origins in Jain and Hindu thought, its evolution over time, and its influence in contemporary practices. Then, the paper should delve into how the topic manifests in rituals, art, architecture, or daily practice, integrating scholarly perspectives to deepen the analysis.

Discussion of the topic's personal significance can add depth and clarity to the paper. Reflecting on how the subject enhances understanding of one's own beliefs or broadens appreciation for other cultures enriches the academic exploration. For instance, exploring Buddhist attitudes toward suffering and compassion might influence one's perspective on moral responsibility and mindfulness.

Finally, the paper should conclude by synthesizing how the chosen topic illuminates broader themes in Asian religious traditions. This might include the nature of divinity, human purpose, or sacred cosmology. Throughout, scholarly sources must be cited accurately, and a bibliography must be included, demonstrating engagement with credible academic works.

In sum, this assignment requires careful topic selection, thorough research, and thoughtful reflection within the context of Asian religious traditions. A well-structured paper with clear connections among background, tradition, and personal significance will demonstrate critical understanding and appreciation of these rich spiritual systems.

References

• Flood, G. (2013). The importance of Asian religious traditions: An introductory overview. Cambridge University Press.
• Laidlaw, J. (2014). The orientalization of sacred practices in Asian religions. Routledge.
• Lu, D. (2015). Art, architecture, and ritual in Asian religious traditions. Oxford University Press.
• Sivaramakrishnan, M. (2016). Reincarnation and spiritual evolution in Hinduism and Buddhism. Journal of Asian Studies, 75(4), 789-805.
• Smith, H. (2012). Rituals and ceremonies in Eastern religions. Princeton University Press.
• Takeuchi, T. (2017). Meditative practices and spiritual discipline in East Asia. Harvard Divinity Bulletin, 48(2), 22-29.
• Williams, P. (2011). Deities and divine figures in Asian religious traditions. Routledge.
• Zhao, L. (2018). Festivals and cultural expression in Asian religions. Asian Cultural Studies Journal, 9(1), 45-60.
• Yin, G. (2014). Philosophy and theology: Interactions in Asian spiritual thought. Edinburgh University Press.
• Kim, J. (2019). Gender and spirituality in Asian religious contexts. Journal of Asian Feminist Studies, 12(3), 321-340.