Research+Paper

Post your research paper requirements on this discussion board for approval. See research paper hand out for the items you will need to reserve your topic. Expect that this process may take a lot more time than you think and the collection of sources must be complete before your topic can be reserved. Anyone who does not have their topic posted by the 9th, will have one assigned and will have surrendered their power of choice.
 * Open from Now-April 9**
 * You will receive confirmation by April 11.**
 * [[image:http://www.merinews.com/upload/thumbimage/1227196220862_World_Religion_t.gif]]

2010 Mrs. Overly Research Paper** 5-7 Pages 100 Notecards 8<sources

While we have studied that holding a belief system is one of the main components of a civilization, the average person knows very little about belief systems outside of their own. For this research paper, I am going to challenge you to explore a spiritual practice that is far removed from your familiarity. At last count, there were over 4,000 different practices of religion. Many of those practices are breakdowns or branches off of more familiar religions, but the differences between each make the faiths even more fascinating.
 * What do we believe? **

One of the biggest challenges of this project is going to be the narrowing process so that you can thoroughly research a topic that fits into the page limit. This is a skill that we have worked on all year and I hope that you have paid attention to your own writing tendencies enough to make this work on the first try.
 * Narrowing Down **

Once you have identified an area that interests you, it’s time to explore this subject matter further. I suggest finding a book on the topic and scanning the table of content. You will find that this subject has many rich topics. The more informed you are about the general subject area, the better off you will be in narrowing down to a particular topic. Granted, some of the topics are also really overwhelming so you may need to repeat this narrowing process a number of times before finding a topic that is manageable for you. Topics can include a particular tradition, practice, persecution, liberation, movement, or basically ANY topic that you believe will peak your interest.
 * Narrowing Down a Subject to a Specific Topic **

Do not make the foolish move of trying to identify a thesis before you have learned everything there is to know about your narrowed topic. Unlike previous papers where you have a thesis and look for support to win your argument, this paper will work in the exact opposite way. You will learn and then make a judgment call. (Isn’t that how we should be forming our arguments in the first place?)
 * Narrowing Down a Thesis From Your Topic **

In order to gain approval for your thesis, you will have to qualify in a few areas. 1. You must present five sources and justify their credibility. You can submit more than five if you fear that some of your sources won’t qualify. 2. You must create a list of five questions that will serve as your paper’s chapters. 3. You must include a brief paragraph explaining why you feel as though this is the senior research paper for you. Only one student per class will have this topic. 4. Topics will be approved on a first come, first serve basis.
 * Supporting Your Thesis: Due March 31 on Wikispace Page **



Research Paper Subjects **


 * Religion Subjects: Look into these very general subjects and narrow down considerably until you reach a manageable topic. **

Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Hasidic Neturei Orthodox Hasidic Reform
 * Branches of Judaism **

Sunni Shi’a Sufi Ahmaddiya
 * Branches of Islam **

Vaishnavism Shaivism Shaktism Smartism
 * Branches of Hindu **

Japanese Buddhism Chinese Buddhism There are three major breakdowns of Buddhism 1. Theravada 2. Mahayana (largest group with a number of splinter groups) 3. Vajrayana
 * Branches of Buddhism (There are MANY) **

Buddhist Understandings- Good for topics 5 Precepts of Buddhism 4 Noble Truths Noble Eightfold Path Twelve Nidanas The Three Jewels

Taoism/Daoism Shinto Sikhism Baha’i Jainism Confucianism
 * Eastern Philosophy/Traditions/Religious Practice **

American Indian Sioux (Dakota) Navaho Peru Inca Religion Mexico Aztec Religion
 * Spiritual Indian Beliefs **

Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints Fundamentalist Mormon

Ghandi Mohammed Brigham Young Dalai Lama Confucius
 * Noteworthy Religious Leaders **

// *I have removed most Westernized religions including Christianity in hopes that this project will lead you to understanding not only the religious aspects but the cultural differences. That is not to say that Christian prophets, leaders, and spiritual figures are not included in this project. You will find that many of those names can be found in various religious texts outside of Christianity. //