REL 133 Wk 1 – Common Practices in Religion

This week you learned about several religions. The materials and discussion focused on the different rules, roles, and nuances present in mainstream and indigenous religions. In this assignment, you will define religion and discuss common elements in mainstream and indigenous religions you learned about this week.

Select and complete Option A or Option B.

Option A: Written Summary

Write a 525- to 700-word paper that addresses the following questions:

• What are some key characteristics of indigenous religions, and how do they differ from key characteristics of other religions?
• What are common questions, concerns, practices, and experiences across various world religions? Include indigenous religions in your discussion.
• Consider religion’s place in modern society. What are at least 2 ways that even ancient religions impact us today?
• How does religion affect your life? Provide at least 1 specific example

Cite your references.

Format your paper according to appropriate University of Phoenix Writing & Style Guidelines. You may find helpful resources for completing your assignment in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Submit your assignment.

Option B: Microsoft® PowerPoint® Presentation

Prepare a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation that addresses the following questions:

• What are some key characteristics of indigenous religions, and how do they differ from key characteristics of other religions?
• What are common questions, concerns, practices, and experiences across various world religions? Include indigenous religions in your discussion.
• Consider religion’s place in modern society. What are at least 2 ways that even ancient religions impact us today?
• How does religion affect your life? Provide at least 1 specific example

Refer to the Help with Microsoft PowerPoint Assignments document if you choose to create a presentation.

Use bullet points and images or graphics to illustrate your main points.

Cite your references.

Format your assignment according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines. You may find helpful resources for completing your assignment in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Local campus students: Present your presentation. Give a 10- to 15-minute oral presentation accompanied by your presentation.

Online and directed study students: Write detailed speaker notes for each slide of your presentation.

Submit your assignment.

REL 133 Wk 2 – Religion Comparison

This week, you learned about Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, three religions that are part of Indian culture. In this assignment, you will share what you learned about each religion and how they compare with one another. As you complete this assignment, consider the presence of these religions today. Complete an Internet search, and see where any or all of these religions appear in news, film, arts, etc. Consider this information when working on this assignment.

Reflect on the readings and other outside sources for information on Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. 

Part 1

Write a 525- to 700-word paper that includes the following:

• An overview of the history of Hinduism
• The importance and role of the sacred texts of Hinduism

Part 2

Select 2 of the following religions to compare:

• Hinduism
• Jainism
• Sikhism

Write a minimum of 175 words about the 2 religions you want to compare, and do the following:

• Describe 2 similarities.
• Describe 2 differences.
• Include the following in your comparison:
• Rituals
• Symbols
• Holy days
• Core beliefs
• Explain the effects these religions have on society, including the present day.

Include APA-formatted citations and a references page.

You may find helpful resources for completing your assignment in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Submit your assignment.

REL 133 Wk 3 – Buddhism

There are various schools within Buddhism, which you have learned about this week. In this assignment, share what you have learned about Buddhism overall, and compare and contrast the schools of Buddhism.

Write a 350- to 700-word paper that includes the following:

• A summary of the major historical events related to Buddhism and the life of the Buddha
• An explanation of the basic teachings and moral aspects of Buddhism, including the three marks of reality, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path
• A comparison of the three major Buddhist traditions—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—and how each tradition developed from the early teachings

Include APA-formatted citations and a references page.

You may find helpful resources for completing your assignment in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Submit your assignment.

REL 133 Wk 4 – Daoism and Confucianism Summary

This week addressed the main teachings and origins of Daoism and Confucianism. This assignment asks you to discuss aspects of both traditions. Complete Part 1 and Part 2 below. As you work on your summaries, reflect on the teachings of each tradition. How did each of these beliefs have an impact on the societies that practice them? Provide examples to support your discussion.

Part 1: Daoism

Write a 175- to 350-word original summary of Daoism that includes a brief overview of significant events in the history of Daoism and a description of the basic origins and teachings of Daoism.

Part 2: Confucianism

Write a 175- to 350-word original summary of Confucianism that includes an explanation of how the teachings of Confucius relate to relationships and an ideal society.

Include APA-formatted citations and a references page.

Submit your assignment.

REL 133 Wk 5 – Shinto Presentation

Over the last five weeks, you have learned about different religions, their origins, and important facts about each. This week, you will reflect on the Shinto religion.

Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation* (you can use Microsoft® PowerPoint® or some other presentation format like Prezi®) to summarize the key ideas of the Shinto religion.

*Note: You may also create an alternative presentation format, such as an animation or a video, for this presentation. Please get permission from your instructor for acceptable alternative presentation formats.

Include the following in your presentation:

• An overview of historical events in the Shinto religion
• A description of the origins and rituals of Shinto
• The role of the Shinto religion in Japanese society today

Include APA-formatted citations and a references page.

You may find helpful resources for completing your assignment in the Center for Writing Excellence.

Present your presentation.

Local campus students: Give a 10- to 15-minute oral presentation accompanied by your presentation.

Online and directed study students: Write detailed speaker notes for each slide of your presentation. 

Submit your assignment.