GEK1045: Introduction to World Religions Guidelines and Instructions for the Essay Semester 1, A/Y 2009/10 Dear Students,

This document provides some guidelines about the essay. Please observe them very closely. These measures are designed to encourage the development of solid academic foundations for CA tasks, which I hope you will be able to utilise in other modules as well. Very briefly, your essay has two components: (1) A written response to a set question and (2) a citation and bibliography exercise. Please note the following: 1. The deadline for the essay is 5:00pm on 18 September 2009 (Friday). Remember that you must provide a written response to ONE of the essay questions I set below. The word length is 1500-2000 words including footnotes.

2.

You MUST demonstrate that you can adhere strictly to the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style bibliographic method. You must cite ALL the sources used for your essay, and indicate in-text whenever you paraphrase or use quotations. We will be observing how well you follow the rules for citing your quotes in the body of your essay as well as how meticulously you have listed your sources in the bibliography according to MLA. It is up to you to find out about the MLA style. As a guide, I recommend: http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/mlastyle.htm Dual submission of the essay is required. You must submit a printed copy of the essay to the Office of Programmes (AS7, Level 2), where your submission will be registered by the secretary. Additionally, you must upload an electronic copy of your essay. Both hard and soft copies are to be submitted by 5:00pm on the due date. Note the following: Hard Copy: This document must be double spaced, using 12pt. font (Times New Roman) and must use the cover page included in this document. You must print your essay on both sides of the paper. You do not need to submit your essays on folders of any kind. Simply staple the cover page (below) to the front of your essay. Electronic Copy: This must be uploaded onto the Student Submission subfolder on the IVLE workbin as a Microsoft Word 93-97 document (.doc).

3.

IMPORTANT: The Hard and Soft copies of the essay MUST BE IDENTICAL. Duallysubmitted essays received after the due date will get a deduction of half a grade for each day after the due date (i.e. an A paper is reduced to a B+ if it is late by one day).

4. You MUST check and double check that you have not plagiarised. You are expected to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. As we all know, plagiarism -- accidental or otherwise -- is a very serious offence. If you do not fully understand plagiarism issues, you are required to seek the assistance of your tutor. Here are some web guidelines: Plagiarism warning: http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/docs/undergrad/plagiarism_warning.htm Plagiarism e-module: http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/plagiarism/ 5. You must print your essay on both sides of A4 paper, double spaced with 12pt. font. You do not need to submit your essays on folders of any kind. Simply staple the cover page (below) to the front of your essay. 6. You should be aware that the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has invested in anti-plagiarism software which will be utilised with the softcopy of your essay (we do not simply google it). Any student who plagiarises, (1) will automatically fail the assignment, (2) might possibly fail the module and, (3) will be referred to the Deans office where a possible expulsion is discussed.

GEK1045: Introduction to World Religions Essay Questions Semester 1, AY 2009-2010 Due date: 5:00pm, 18 September 2009 Provide a written response of between 1500 and 2000 words to ONE (1) of the three questions listed below. Please observe the submission guideline set out above Please use the attached cover page and submit the hard copy to the Office of Programmes, Level 2, AS7 Please remember that in this essay you will also be assessed on how well you can follow the MLA Style bibliographic and citation method. 1. Pain is necessary for the meaningful fulfillment of religious obligations. Do you agree? Discuss this question by using at least TWO of the religions we are studying as examples. 2. Ones sexuality/sexual orientation should have nothing to do with ones religiosity. Do you agree? Discuss this question using at least TWO of the religions we are studying as examples. 3. Religion is primarily a system of reward and punishment for human sinfulness. Do you agree? Discuss this issue by comparing at least TWO of the religions we are studying in this module.

GEK1045: Introduction to World Religions Semester 1 AY2009/10 Term Paper COVER PAGE Name: Matric Number: Tutors Name: Tutorial Time: Question Attempted:

Please attach proof of Special Consideration/Extension approved by your tutor