The American Academy of Religion adopted the “AAR Religious Literacy Guidelines” document in 2019,
outlining the components of a religious education for College students. The document lays out the argument
that each student should be exposed to, assigned readings, and be taught elements of global religious
traditions. This final reflection and evaluation aim to assess the following:
That a student may…
I. Discern accurate and credible knowledge about diverse religious traditions and expressions
II. Recognize the internal diversity within religious traditions
III. Understand how religions have shaped—and are shaped by—the experiences and histories of
individuals, communities, nations, and regions
IV. Interpret how religious expressions make use of cultural symbols and artistic representations of their
times and contexts
V. Distinguish confessional or prescriptive statements made by religions from descriptive or analytical
statements1
To assess these, you’re asked to compose a brief essay that asks you to examine the religious traditions we
covered in this term (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Shinto). In this essay, address the five points listed
above, focusing on:
§ key terms,
§ differences or diversity within select religions,
§ and the impact of religion(s) on a particular country or its politics (e.g., China and Tibet,
Pakistan/India on Sikhism, Hinduism vs. Islam in India, etc.).
GUIDELINES:
§ Ideally, your essay should consist of a thesis statement, three subsequent paragraphs, and a conclusion.
It should be between 850 and 1100 words in total.
§ You are welcome to use first- or third-person voice for all three paragraphs.
§ Please check your grammar and syntax before submitting. You will also be assessed on your writing
skills.
