For this assignments students will write a 2200–2500-word research paper on a relevant topic relate to the Hindu Tradition. This topic can be a concept, a movement, and individual, a philosophy, a place, a deity, a relevant time period, sacred literature or scripture, a practice, etc. Students can also select to expand their ideas from any one of the discussion questions in the discussion section. The paper will be graded according to your adherence to the follow 4 criteria
Clarity: Do you clearly state what you are going to be discussing in your paper and what your views are that you are arguing for. For example, you could state: In this paper I am going to be examining Shankara’s understanding of Atman’s relationship to Brahman (this would be a good opening sentence). Another example might be: In this paper I will be discussing Gandhi’s understanding of non-violence (ahimsa) and contemporary applications discussed by Gandhi scholars. By the end of the first paragraph be sure to state your thesis, explaining what you will be asserting.
Adherence to thesis: Do you actually talk about what you explain you will be discussing in your paper, if you bring in quotes, do they support what you are attempting to prove. If you mention other topics, do you explain how they relate?
Mastery of material you discuss: Do you explain the concepts you are talking about in your paper, and are those concepts understood correctly, if the concept is complex or has multiple aspects or interpretations be sure to explain why as well as what you believe is the most complete or thorough way of explaining the topic, concept, or idea etc.
Overall appearance and presentation of your paper: Be sure to proofread your paper for spelling and grammar, I will take off points if spelling or grammar mistakes lead to a lack of clarity in your paper. Also you can definitely use quotes, but make sure that the quotes are not writing your paper, use quotes to support your argument, not to make your argument or clarify it. Whenever you use a quote, explain the context, why you are using it, and how the information conveyed in the quote benefits the position you are holding.
