Religious Visit – World Religions Individual Assignment

This assignment is so that the student has the opportunity to be immersed into a religious event. The event needs to be something of a new experience for the student. The student is required to research the region they plan on visiting. Research not only the Religion itself as a whole, but also the event in which the student has decided to attend. This event can be include anything from Mass to a funeral. These events need to be religious in nature (not a secular wedding or a funeral). The student could also attend a bris or a Jewish wedding. The point of the assignment it to experience some of the traditional aspects of the religion that the student has researched.

The following needs to be included to earn a passing grade.

Research prior to the visit.

Paper must be at least 800 words

How the research compared to the experience.

What traditional aspects did the event have?

Include supporting evidence

College level writing (flow, vocabulary and overall structure)

Correct mechanics (grammar, spelling and punctuation)

Reference page (not included in the word count)

3 outside references using APA or MLA format- Failure to have cited sources may result in a failing grade.

Here is the rubric:

Content

60 Percent

All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. Religious Visit Paper

Choose a religion different from one in which you have never participated research and visit a worship service and/or a religious traditional event (wedding, funeral, Bar Mitzvah, Etc.) for that religion. Your paper should include the following information: Give the full name, exact address and religious affiliation of the group. Give the exact date and time of your visit. Give the name and type of service. Describe the outside and inside appearance of the building, the way visitors are greeted, and the sort of people in this group (their apparent social class, ethnic background, gender, average age, number present, etc.) Describe what happened in the service from beginning to end. Try to give some sense to the emotional tone and spiritual meaning of the scenario. (i.e. Was the opening dramatic or casual? Is the congregational participation emotional or reserved? Is the service spontaneous or ritualized?) How did the experience compare to the research done prior? What traditional aspects did you witness?

Paper is at least 1500 words in length

Major points are stated clearly and are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis.

Organization / Development

20 Percent

The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward the appropriate audience.

The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.

The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper/presentation, and reviews the major points.

The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.

Transitions between sentences, paragraphs, sections, and slides aid in maintaining the flow of thought in the presentation and in the paper.

Mechanics

20 Percent

The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space.

Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.

Sentences are complete, clear, concise, and varied.

Spelling is correct.

The paper, including reference page for at least three outside references, tables, and appendices follow APA or MLS guidelines for format.

Citations of original works within the body of the paper and/or footnotes, and bibliography follow APA or MLS guidelines.

Total

100 Percent

800 words – 3 outside sources Writing is to be 1/3 researched history and background and 2/3 description of experience. (Title page and reference page are required.)