Summary:
The final paper is meant for you to synthesize some of the course material you have engaged with over the last 6 weeks. The primary objective for this paper is to analyze your chosen object/topic through the senses and, if applicable, through the theories of authorization, ritual, and texts. This paper should not be a descriptive exercise, ie, you should not only describe the object/topic and link it to the senses. This paper is analytical, you are placing your object/topic within the framework of the The Study of Religion. For example, if the sense of smell is pertinent, it is not enough to say there are smells present. Rather, ask and answer questions such as: why is this smell present? why is it important to the object/topic? how does it shape the experience of interacting with that object/topic? Does power/gender play into who is smelling/not smelling?
The breakdown:
The length is 3-5 pages double-spaced (750-1250 words), excluding bibliography
Include a clear introduction and conclusion
Includes a contextualization of your object/topic
Includes connections to a minimum of three senses and/or connections to rituals/texts/authorization
A thesis statement is NOT required for this paper
You should include proper citations (Chicago, MLA, APA)
Your bibliography should be properly formatted
You should draw on a minimum of 4 sources. At least one class source (lecture/reading), and 3 outside sources. The majority of your sources should be scholarly, however, depending on your topic you may also include non-scholarly sources. For example, many sources that discuss smudging from an indigenous perspective may be considered non- scholarly, but would still be useful in your study (same for Eleki beads). There is no maximum of sources you can use.
There is no need for a title page, but include your name and a title for your paper
Rubric
An A range paper
a robust analysis of sources, uses description, interpretation, and analysis to form arguments based on researched sources
connects to course concepts
has a logical flow to the ideas
meets the requirements in terms of length and sources
is properly cited and has a complete bibliography
has minimal typographical errors.
A B range paper
makes use of the sources through analysis and interpretation
Connects to course concepts in a limited fashion
meets the requirements in terms of length and sources, although may be overly long or slightly short
is for the most part properly cited with a complete bibliography
has a few typographical errors
A C range paper
Makes use of some sources adequately, analysis could be improved
Course connections are unclear
Falls short in terms of the requirements of page length and sources
Is for the most part properly cited with a few bibliographical errors
Has some typographical errors
A D range paper
Lacks analysis and engagement with sources
Course connections are unclear
Falls short in terms of the requirements of page length and sources
Lacks citations and has an incomplete bibliography
Many typographical error
The previous is the instruction of this paper, and the topic of the assignment is Tibetan Singing Bowls. I have attached the abstract, so please follow the abstract to finish the assignment. Thank you so much!
(If it possible, please specify with a particular time period that you want to focus on, which as a comments from the instructor on the abstract.)
The abstract has already involved the references, but you can change or include more if you want to. Thank you so much!
I have also attached the lecture slides and inclass reading materials.
