Religion And Society

Final Assignment

In groups of 5, you will create your own religion. Keep in mind the key aspects of a religion (see Encyclopaedia of Religions). Your religion must have, at the very least, rituals, myths (origin narratives), “churches,” a clergy, some sort of higher being or ultimate guide, a founding figure, a clear religious goal, and a clear social structure and engagement. You must explain its main tenets and its objectives.

Next, you will explain how your religion interacts within society, how it articulates and deals with the issues that are important for contemporary cultures and societies (politics, media, the environment, death, our purpose in this world, etc.). You must be able to defend your religion against those who would accuse it of being a cult (so be prepared to answer questions on how it thrives financially).

You will be doing a power point presentation about your religions, or a film if you like, and will have to be prepared to answer questions from the audience (your fellow students and myself). Your presentations will be graded on clarity, originality, structure, and on your respect of time constraints also.

Here are some things to think about for your religion (you don’t have to just answer these):

- How does your religion interact with contemporary society?

- How does it engage with the issues that are important in this day and age? Which

issues?

- How is your religion different from or similar to other religions? Is it inspired by them

or completely alien to them? Is it different from a cult?

Please do not address only these issues. They are simply to help you in a direction. You are of course free to address other important questions, but do please clear these questions with me first.

Your papers will be 3-4 pages, double-spaced, 2.5cm margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman or similar. You are to answer the following questions (providing arguments): What is the relevance of learning about religion(s), particularly for business school students? Has this course affected your opinion about religion(s), particularly as expressed in the first paper? How?

Papers are due April 18th. Please e-mail me or post online a .pdf copy (NOT word) with your last name first in the file name (ex: ARY Elijah – Religion and Society – Final Paper.pdf).

Presentations will take place in class (room location to be determined) on April 30th 2014 9am-12am, and will last no more than 20 minutes each (including approximately 5 minutes for questions). I will allow for 5 minutes to transition between presentations, so please be ready to set up fast, and have a contingency plan ready in case the presentation computer doesn’t work (for example).

The class will be voting on the best final presentation. Each member of the winning group will receive 2 extra points. So do your best to try to win! You are NOT allowed to vote for your own group. Voting will take place via email at the end of all presentations.

Lastly, this is meant to be a fun, but serious exercise. Be original, be funny, but be serious in your work and respectful of and towards others. Also, try to get the class involved...it helps!

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