Q This writing assignment is designed to test your mastery of the basic methodology for the study of religions: informed empathy. As you will recall, informed empathy requires (at least) two things of you: first, that your understanding of the subject matter is accurate and reasonably detailed; and second, that you are able to present it in such a way that who lay claim to the subject matter you are describing would recognize themselves in your description. For this paper, you will focus on the Hindu theory of reincarnation. To demonstrate your master of informed empathy, your paper should include the following: 1. An accurate and reasonably detailed description of the Hindu theory of reincarnation (its basic components, how it relates those components, what its goal is, what must be accomplished to reach that goal, etc.). 2. An informed account of what the theory attempts to explain, accomplish, or justify, along with a reasonably thorough indication of how it does so. 3. A comparative assessment of the theory relative to another competing theory (the Christian afterlife and scientific materialism are the most prominent--but not the only--alternatives; you'll probably want to pick the one with which you are the most familiar and/or committed. If you are most familiar with reincarnation, then contrast it with another competing theory with which you are most familiar). Some questions you should address include: to what extent are the two theories "about" the same thing? What sorts of things does one theory explain better than the other (and vice versa)? You should be able to accomplish each section in roughly one full page, double-spaced (such that your complete response should be roughly three full pages). You should cite any and all sources that are used, including your textbook; citations should follow the author/date version of Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed.). While it is not necessary to use any sources beyond your textbook, it may be helpful to do so for section one of your paper; you should not use outside sources for sections two and three, as these should represent your own thoughts on the matter. Remember: it often seems as if the "informed" part of the method is the most challenging, since it requires becoming familiar with often very unfamiliar content; however, in practice it is typically the "empathy" in the method that proves most challenging, as it requires giving unfamiliar beliefs and practices the same allowances that you give your own. While everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and practices, the academic study of religion requires that these not unduly prejudice one's understanding of other beliefs and practices. Demonstrating mastery of the method will require you do deliver effectively on both aspects of the method. Rubric Medium Writing Assignment #1 Medium Writing Assignment #1 Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBasic parameters Met basic parameters pertaining to required length, citation style, use of citation where appropriate, etc. 10 to >9.0 pts Full Marks 9 to >8.0 pts Good 8 to >7.0 pts Acceptable 7 to >6.0 pts Poor 6 to >0.0 pts Problematic 0 pts No Marks 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeInformed Accuracy, detail, and thoroughness of understanding of reincarnation, including the appropriate use and interpretation of key terms. 30 to >27.0 pts Full Marks 27 to >24.0 pts Good 24 to >21.0 pts Acceptable 21 to >18.0 pts Poor 18 to >0.0 pts Problematic 0 pts No Marks 30 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEmpathy Ability to establish critical distance from one's own perspective to present reincarnation in a manner such that it is conceivable that an ordinary, perfectly reasonable person might find it meaningful and convincing. 30 to >27.0 pts Full Marks 27 to >24.0 pts Good 24 to >21.0 pts Acceptable 21 to >18.0 pts Poor 18 to >0.0 pts Problematic 0 pts No Marks 30 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCompleteness The extent to which the paper delivers on the three tasks outlined in the instructions 20 to >18.0 pts Full Marks 18 to >16.0 pts Good 16 to >14.0 pts Acceptable 14 to >12.0 pts Poor 12 to >0.0 pts Problematic 0 pts No Marks 20 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEditing Attention to college-level writing conventions, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. 10 to >9.0 pts Full Marks 9 to >8.0 pts Good 8 to >7.0 pts Acceptable 7 to >6.0 pts Poor 6 to >0.0 pts Problematic 0 pts No Marks 10 pts Total Points: 100 PreviousNext