Overview
The final project consists of an 8– to 10–page paper that develops a particular theme (thesis) on a current issue of environmental concern. Choose a topic of concern in which you have a particular interest. Suggested topics are found below. The goal of the project is to well describe the issue of environmental concern and to determine those beliefs, tenets, and practices of a particular Non-Western tradition (see below) that can be said to respond favorably to the environmental topic of concern and thereby help promote a positive environmental ethic and potentially bring about change.
Delve into your selected issue of environmental concern, whether it be plastics in the environment, the problem of water pollution, air pollution, or something else. Use secondary sources to thoroughly investigate the issue.
You are also to closely engage one of the non-Western religious traditions (Hinduism or Buddhism) reviewed within the course. Yet you may also select Native Religion or religions we have not touched upon, such as Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, or Shinto; these religions are covered in the Brodd textbook. As you read about the religions of the world (especially the non-Western traditions), make note of the ancient texts they rely upon and/or the religious beliefs and practices. By delving further into those texts and/or the religion’s beliefs and practices, you will be able to better determine the religion’s attitudes toward the environment and/or the earth. Secondary sources should also be used for this exploration. You are to put your chosen non-Western religious tradition into dialog with your selected issue of environmental concern.
Instructor’s Note:
For a more detailed overview of the final project, see the Course-Spanning Task page.
This part of the course-spanning task will require you to select your topic and begin your bibliography.
Prepare
Review the Course-Spanning Task page for a look ahead at the course-spanning tasks and a detailed overview of the final project/paper.
Prompt
Topic Selection
Select a topic of particular interest to you (see below for a list of possible topics). The topic may deal more directly with the environment, such as water or air quality, or something concerning an economic issue or policy that bears on an environmental or ecological issue. As we will see, global markets have had adverse effects on local communities as well as on natural resources.
Instructor’s Note:
Your topic needs to be oriented on an Eastern region and Eastern worldview. In this class, the Eastern worldviews are Hinduism and Buddhism. You may also select Native Religion or religions we have not touched upon, such as Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, or Shinto, topics covered in the textbook by Brodd et al. By contrast, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are Western and should not be used for your final project.
Remember the final paper is not very long, so you need to find a fairly narrow topic. Big issues are important but hard to tackle in a short amount of space.
Topic Suggestions:
Others may be suggested, but possible project topics include:
Levels and causes of air pollution
Levels and causes of water pollution (e.g., pollution of the Ganges River)
Agricultural practices detrimental to the land
The effects on the land and habitat of nuclear bomb testing
The effects on land and populations of waste facilities and waste management practices
The effects on land and populations of large-scale industries, such as clothing, automotive, or tech
The effects of over-population on land and people
The effects of plastic waste on land or sea life
The effects of littering on the land or in the sea
The effects of chemicals (cleaning products) on the water and land
How modes of transportation (air travel) affect the environment
Eco-feminism
Eco-friendly societies or movements (Eastern or Native perspective)
Clean-energy and/or renewal projects
Beginning Bibliography
Find and read 2 sources for the bibliography of your final project. Include properly formatted bibliographic records using APA style, and craft a one-paragraph annotation (summary of the article or book) just under each bibliographic record.
Instructor’s Note:
Reference works for this project must derive from OU Libraries or reputable news sources (NY Times, Huffington Post, Washington Post, etc.). It is recommended that you begin by typing your project topic directly into the Discover box on the OU Libraries website and then scroll down for a list of current articles.
Students are not to use stand-alone websites (Internet-only sources) nor provided class materials. One helpful and permitted website with plenty of resources and suggestions for journals and books is the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. Your course readings within the Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology also contain a list of references at the end, which could be helpful when selecting sources for your final project.
Procedure
Post your topic followed by 2 properly formatted bibliographic records and their annotations; there is no need to respond to other students.
Use APA in-text citation and reference style.
See the Instructor Guidelines page for general writing requirements.
Proofread your work prior to submitting it.
Consider the grading rubric when planning your assignment. This assignment is assessed on meeting the deadline, quality of sources and annotations, and the correct use of APA style.
