Asian Religious Traditions (PHIL 135)
Fall 2017
CRP 1 Guidelines
Chose any one of the following topics:
1. Define the term dharma and reflect
... [Show More] on dharma as a system of ethics in Hinduism. In this system, what is right and appropriate can be different for different individuals, depending on their caste, stage of life, or gender. Some of the examples include Arjuna the warrior, the devoted wife, and Gandhi who chose the dharma of both an activist and a renouncer for his political activism.
Answer the following questions: What does the system of dharma convey about the Hindu attitude toward morality? Are duties or moral choices always situational and open to interpretation, or does dharma consist of set principles?
Answer using examples from the Dharma textbook, the Bhagavad-Gita and Savitir. Also make references to the Gandhi film.
2. Define the term dharma and explore the idea of dharma as religion.
Reflect on the following questions: Drawing on Hindu, Jain, and/or Buddhist traditions analyze specific ways in which dharma is different from the commonly understood idea of religion. What philosophical and practical problems arise if Hinduism, Jainism, and/or Buddhism when they are defined simply as “religion?”
Answer using the Dharma textbook, Gandhi film, and the readings (the Bhagavad-Gita, Jain teachings, etc.) we studied in class.
3. Critically analyze the central messages of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita. Reflect on the following questions: Gandhi found inspiration in this text for his nonviolent activism. Why did Gandhi consider this his guiding light? Can the message of the Gita to “fight the war” and Gandhi’s method of “nonviolence” be reconciled?
Answer using the Bhgavad-Gita and the Dharma textbook.
Follow these guidelines:
1. The paper must have a title.
2. The paper must have a clear thesis. (Clearly state it in your first paragraph and underline it).
3. The paper must have an introduction and a clear conclusion.
4. Systematic examination of ideas with supporting citations and textual references (a.k.a. using relevant quotations). Use the Religious Studies vocabulary we studied in class this term.
5. Correct use of grammar, syntax, and citation in Chicago style. Use Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations for citation guidelines.
6. Cite the primary texts. Include three-four quotes (2-4lines) from texts.
7. Essay should be about 3 pages in length and must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman and double-spaced.
8. Do not forget to cite the page numbers in your citations.
9. Be sure to check your grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
Format Guidelines
Each paper should have a header with your name, course number and section, professor’s name and the assignment number. For example:
Name: Obi Kenobi
PHIL 2
Dr. Howard
CRP #1
Due on the date specified in the syllabus.
Short Paper Grading Rubric
Clear Thesis Statement: 10 points
Content: 55 points
Title: 5 points
Textual references: 20 points
Grammar, and Formatting: 10 points
Total 100 points
Due: October 8 /2017 on BB and bring a copy to class on Monday, October 9.
Note: Should you have any questions feel free to ask. I also recommend that you use the Writing Center. [Show Less]