Biography provides an illuminating perspective on the interplay between faith and action, individual lives, and broader circumstances. It offers unique insights into the historical and current significance of Christianity as a global religion. This paper constitutes a vital part of the course. Students will select an
article focusing on one person, starting from Robert’s African Christian Biography, Noll’s Clouds of Witnesses, and the three volumes of Salt and Light (all on library reserve) before going into online biographical dictionaries for more choices. Incorporate at least three additional academic sources that enrich the historical, literary, or media context of the subject. The biography paper aims to:
1. Narrate the life under consideration with a focus on a particularly revealing issue or theme in the person’s Christian journey. Analyze rather than simply retell, highlighting how this theme significantly shaped their experience and contributions.
2. Examine your topic’s significance, analyzing its interaction with broader forces (social, political, historical, intellectual). Highlight how these factors have influenced the subject’s life and legacy.
3. Reflect briefly on the subject’s role within world Christianity, evaluating their contributions and influence across the global Christian landscape.
Organization:
1. Begin with a strong introductory paragraph that includes a thesis statement to clearly outline the main argument or focus of your essay.
2. Use opening topic sentences to anchor each paragraph, ensuring that each successive sub-point coherently fortifies your thesis. Bolster each point with illustrative examples and evidence. Use your academic sources effectively, not just citing but also integrating sources to support your arguments.
3. In your conclusion, revisit—without reiterating—your central argument, offering conclusive insights that bring your discussion full circle.
Format:
1. The paper should be six to seven pages long, double-spaced, in 12-point font, with 1-inch margins.
2. Include identifying details such as the paper title, your name, course title, section number, and page number.
3. Cite your sources. Use a standard format for footnotes (in-text citations) and bibliographies (at the end of the paper), such as Turabian or the Chicago Manual of Style.
4. Submit on Canvas as a Word document.
5. For additional guidance, refer to the writing handouts on Canvas and see Appendix III for library
and writing center resources.
