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Final Exam Writing Assignment *Class, these are the same dir…

Final Exam Writing Assignment *Class, these are the same directions in the study prompt. Choose one and write.  Time: 75 minutesFormat: Closed book, in-class essay or procotred through HonorLock Online Instructions:Choose ONE of the following prompts. Your response should demonstrate accurate knowledge of the religious traditions studied in this course and the ability to analyze and synthesize ideas using Huston Smith’s framework. Whether you choose an essay or dialogue format, your work should move beyond description to explain why similarities and differences matter. Prompt Option 1: Interpreting the Human ProblemChoose one religion studied in this course and analyze how it understands the central human problem and its solution. Explain how the tradition’s view of ultimate reality, human nature, and spiritual practice work together as a coherent system aimed at transformation. Make clear how this reflects Huston Smith’s claim that religions are “maps of meaning.” Prompt Option 2: Two Paths, Two WorldviewsChoose two religions studied in this course and compare how they answer the same fundamental religious question (such as the self, suffering, salvation/liberation, ethics, or the sacred). Go beyond listing similarities and differences by explaining how each answer is shaped by the religion’s broader worldview, and conclude with what this comparison reveals about religious diversity. Prompt Option 3: Critically Engaging Huston Smith (your textbook author)Huston Smith argues that the major religions are transformative paths toward human fulfillment. Choose one or two religions from the course and evaluate this claim. To what extent does the religion support Smith’s view? Are there aspects that complicate or challenge it? Support your response with specific beliefs, practices, or symbols. Prompt Option 4: DialogueWrite a dialogue between two or more characters representing different religious perspectives studied in this course (or a knowledgeable outsider and practitioners). Through their conversation, analyze how the traditions understand a shared religious issue such as suffering, the self, ultimate reality, or salvation/liberation. The dialogue must clearly present each tradition’s worldview, include at least one substantive comparison, and reflect Huston Smith’s emphasis on religion as a path of transformation. Creativity is encouraged, but accuracy, depth, and analysis are required. Expectations:Write a clear, well-organized response (approximately 3 handwritten pages or 750 words). Use precise religious vocabulary and demonstrate conceptual understanding rather than memorization. Dialogue responses should still show analysis through the substance of the conversation. Direct quotations are not required. Grading Criteria:Responses will be evaluated on depth of understanding, quality of analysis, clarity of argument or dialogue, and overall organization and writing quality.

Final Exam Writing Assignment *Class, these are the same dir…

Final Exam Writing Assignment *Class, these are the same directions in the study prompt. Choose one and write.  Time: 75 minutesFormat: Closed book, in-class essay or procotred through HonorLock Online Instructions:Choose ONE of the following prompts. Your response should demonstrate accurate knowledge of the religious traditions studied in this course and the ability to analyze and synthesize ideas using Huston Smith’s framework. Whether you choose an essay or dialogue format, your work should move beyond description to explain why similarities and differences matter. Prompt Option 1: Interpreting the Human ProblemChoose one religion studied in this course and analyze how it understands the central human problem and its solution. Explain how the tradition’s view of ultimate reality, human nature, and spiritual practice work together as a coherent system aimed at transformation. Make clear how this reflects Huston Smith’s claim that religions are “maps of meaning.” Prompt Option 2: Two Paths, Two WorldviewsChoose two religions studied in this course and compare how they answer the same fundamental religious question (such as the self, suffering, salvation/liberation, ethics, or the sacred). Go beyond listing similarities and differences by explaining how each answer is shaped by the religion’s broader worldview, and conclude with what this comparison reveals about religious diversity. Prompt Option 3: Critically Engaging Huston Smith (your textbook author)Huston Smith argues that the major religions are transformative paths toward human fulfillment. Choose one or two religions from the course and evaluate this claim. To what extent does the religion support Smith’s view? Are there aspects that complicate or challenge it? Support your response with specific beliefs, practices, or symbols. Prompt Option 4: DialogueWrite a dialogue between two or more characters representing different religious perspectives studied in this course (or a knowledgeable outsider and practitioners). Through their conversation, analyze how the traditions understand a shared religious issue such as suffering, the self, ultimate reality, or salvation/liberation. The dialogue must clearly present each tradition’s worldview, include at least one substantive comparison, and reflect Huston Smith’s emphasis on religion as a path of transformation. Creativity is encouraged, but accuracy, depth, and analysis are required. Expectations:Write a clear, well-organized response (approximately 3 handwritten pages or 750 words). Use precise religious vocabulary and demonstrate conceptual understanding rather than memorization. Dialogue responses should still show analysis through the substance of the conversation. Direct quotations are not required. Grading Criteria:Responses will be evaluated on depth of understanding, quality of analysis, clarity of argument or dialogue, and overall organization and writing quality.