Q ASSIGNMENT: For this Touchstone, you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of religions so far by comparing and contrasting two of the world’s religions. In a 400-600 word short essay, you will compare and contrast one “eastern” religion and one “western” religion discussed so far in this course. Using specific examples from the lessons in Unit 1 and Unit 2 to support your conclusions, you will analyze some of the ways in which these religions are both similar and different. ________________________________________ A. Assignment Guidelines DIRECTIONS: Select one “eastern” religion and one “western” religion discussed so far in this course. Review the lessons in Unit 1 and Unit 2 as you consider how these religions are both similar and different. Your short essay should include four parts: • Briefly introduce the two religions you have selected to compare and contrast. • Identify and explain at least two commonalities between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons. • Identify and explain at least two differences between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons. • Briefly summarize & conclude your short essay. In your conclusion, explain what we can learn about religions in general by noticing both their similarities and differences. As you develop your response, you should compare or contrast at least one example from each of the following elements of religion: • Historical & geographic origins • Core beliefs & doctrines • Core rituals & practices • Important texts & narratives Your examples should be specific, and should cite the lesson from which your information comes, using in-text citations. Citations should use this style: (Monotheism, n.d.) or (Primal Religions, n.d.). Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines. ? Have you selected one “eastern” religion and one “western religion” discussed so far in this course? ? Have you briefly introduced the two religions you selected? ? Have you identified and explained at least two commonalities between these religions? ? Have you identified and explained at least two differences between these religions? ? Have you included at least one example from each of the given elements of religion: historical & geographic origins; core beliefs & doctrines; core rituals & practices; and important texts & narratives? ? Is your short essay between 400-600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font? ? Have you cited examples with in-text citations? ? Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization? ________________________________________ B. Rubric Advanced (90-100%) Proficient (75-89%) Needs Improvement (50-74%) Non-Performance (0-49%) Selection of Religions Essay identifies an “eastern” and a “western” religion discussed in the course. Essay correctly identifies an “eastern” religion and a “western” religion to compare and contrast, and accurately describes both. Essay correctly identifies an “eastern” religion and a “western” religion to compare and contrast, but may describe one or both less accurately. Essay may incorrectly categorize religions as “eastern” or “western,” or may provide a markedly inaccurate description of one or both. Essay fails to identify an “eastern” religion and a “western” religion to compare and contrast, or to provide any description of either. Analysis of Similarities (Comparison) Essay analyzes similarities between religions and provides specific examples that support the analysis. Essay accurately identifies and explains at least two similarities between religions, using at least two specific examples from the lessons as support. Essay accurately identifies and explains at least two similarities between religions, using at least 1 specific example from the lesson as support. Essay accurately identifies and explains only one similarity between religions, and/or no specific examples from the lesson are used as support. Essay does not accurately identify and explain similarities between religions. Analysis of Differences (Contrast) Essay analyzes differences between religions and provides specific examples that support the analysis. Essay accurately identifies and explains at least two differences between religions, using at least 2 specific examples from the lessons as support. Essay accurately identifies and explains at least two differences between religions, using at least 1 specific example from the lessons as support. Essay accurately identifies and explains only one difference between religions is accurately identified and explained, or no specific examples from the lesson are used as support. Essay does not accurately identify and explain differences between religions. Elements of Religion Essay draws on disparate elements of religion for analysis. Essay describes examples from each of the four given elements of religion: -historical & geographic origins -core beliefs & doctrines -core rituals & practices -important texts & narratives Essay describes examples from three of the four given elements of religion: -historical & geographic origins -core beliefs & doctrines -core rituals & practices -important texts & narratives Essay describes examples from one or two of the four given elements of religion: -historical & geographic origins -core beliefs & doctrines -core rituals & practices -important texts & narratives Essay does not describe examples from any of the four four given elements of religion: -historical & geographic origins -core beliefs & doctrines -core rituals & practices -important texts & narratives Conventions Essay follows conventions for standard written English. There are one or no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Examples are cited appropriately. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability. Examples are cited appropriately. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that impede readability. Examples may not be cited appropriately. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability. Examples are not cited appropriately. Meets requirements Submission meets formatting requirements, including 12-point font, double-spacing, and word count. All requirements for formatting and length are met. Requirements for formatting and length are mostly met. Requirements for formatting and length are somewhat met. Requirements for formatting and length are not met at all. ________________________________________ C. Requirements The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded: • Composition must be between 400-600 words. • Double-space the composition and use one-inch margins. • Use a readable 12-point font. • All writing must be appropriate for an academic context. • Composition must be original and written for this assignment. • Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited. • Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition. • Include all of the assignment components in a single file. • Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx. • In-text citations should use this style: (Monotheism, n.d.) • References should use this style: (n.d.). Monotheism [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions--2/unit2/study-guide/8161/monotheism-2