ASSIGNMENT I

Due Date:
Week 3

Length:
8-10 pages

Format:
The first assignment should be based on Chapter 1 of the course guide notes, as well as the textbook. Focus on critiquing definitions of religion, and/or on the so-called "primitive" religions, and/or on the issue of magic and religion or on any combination thereof. As a philosophy course you will be encouraged to follow your own ideas and interests in these areas and besides reporting what you found to relate besides reporting what you think (your philosophy) of it.

Read:
See Assignment Chart.

ASSIGNMENT II

Due Date:
Week 8

Length:
8-10 pages

Format:
Express your thoughts, agreements and disagreements, your evidence and reasoning on the matter, or some aspect thereof, of material covered during Weeks 4 and 5 (Hinduism and Buddhism). For example:

• Key beliefs and practices with critical comment. Differing ideas and visions as the source of differing forms and practices.
  
• The timelessness and contemporaneity of these beliefs.
  
• A comparison of the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism.
  
• Their origin and development as explained by the history of ideas, e.g.
  Buddha examining and reacting to Hinduism.

Consult with the instructor if you cannot comfortably fit your subject under some aspect of the above examples. Cover the study material first, then select your topic and do a critical paper. Do not merely summarize information about these religions. Give your own critical comments on what you have learned.

Read: See Assignment Chart.

Due Date:
Week 12

Length:
8-10 pages

Format:
Select one of the following topics:

• Compare and contrast 2 or more world religions. For example, The Doctrine of God (or Afterlife) in Judaism, Christianity (Moslemism); Feastdays, and Sacraments in Islam, Hinduism (Christianity); Right conduct (or ascetic practices) in Buddhism, Judaeo-Christianity (Moslemism). Consult other sources besides Noss; see his bibliography.
  
• Select a person, or select a belief and participate in or practice it (no matter how specific), and write on your experience. For example, such persons as: Zoroaster, Gautama (Buddha), Moses, Mohammed, Christ, Lao-Tzu, Joseph Smith; or such beliefs as: the Eucharist in Christianity, Karma, or the I Ching. Consult other sources besides Noss; see his bibliography.
  
• Write a final paper summing up your knowledge, ideas, conclusions at which you arrived with the help of this study. Focus your essay and make sure it reflects, through references and comments, the work you have done.
  

Read: See Assignment Chart.

Assignments Mailing

Each assignment is due in the instructor's mailbox during the week indicated below. Count Week 1 as the first week that classes begin and Week 15 as the final week of the term. Trimester dates are listed at the upper right hand corner of your registration form.

All papers must be typed, with footnotes and bibliographies where appropriate, and mailed in before the assignment deadline. Mail your assignments to the instructor and address on the cover letter of this course guide; only mail requiring signature of the receiver should be sent directly to the Humanities External Degree office during office hours to guarantee signature and receipt. Send in an extra copy, marked "For HUX Files," and keep a copy for yourself. Also, keep a copy of the title page of the paper returned by the instructor which contains your grade, comments, and date. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped return envelope with each assignment; not doing so may delay return of responses to your assignments. Stamps are not necessary for students outside the continental U.S.; assignments will be returned through the Humanities External Degree Office. If you do not fully understand the assignment or need help, telephone the instructor during office hours, or mail in your questions.