Discuss how an individual should apply reason in considering the role of religion in society.
The first paragraph of your essay must contain the following three elements:
1) Opening sentence(s): You will begin by introducing the topic you will address in the most substantive
manner you can muster. I make you a solemn promise: if your essay includes anything along the lines of “since
the dawn of humankind, there has been a phenomenon called ‘religion,’” I will dock you an entire letter grade.
No sweeping generalizations allowed. Instead, dedicate the limited space you have available to bringing your
topic to life. Consider starting with a vivid quotation or example. Hook your reader with a relevant illustration of
your point drawn from the evidence you use to defend your argument.
2) You will then address the “so what?” question. Explain how you will answer the question you have selected
and why the point you make is relevant.
3) Your opening paragraph must conclude with a clear explanation of the “why should I believe you?” question.
You will do this by introducing the sources you will draw on to defend your argument, and you will explain why
these provide the best evidence for your position. Doing this also anticipates critique.
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The opening thesis paragraph will be followed by a development of the points you lay out. The follow- up
paragraphs will develop your thesis and defend your point. This will require you to draw on the assigned
readings and refer to specific passages. You may use any reference system to refer your reader to the source
you are using. For example, you can cite your source within the text itself (Gutierrez, “The Process of
Liberation,” 22), or you can provide the reference as a footnote. Do not worry about providing a bibliography, as
I will assume that you are drawing exclusively from the assigned
readings. If you rely on sources outside of the course readings (not required), you must provide a bibliographic
reference. Be sure to maintain consistency in your citation format. Never cite Wikipedia.
As you defend your thesis, you should anticipate criticism. You do not have a lot of space to go into detailed
defenses of your thesis, but you should acknowledge multiple points of view as you defend your central
arguments.
Your response must have a clear conclusion. This should appear as a separate, final paragraph that
summarizes your argument, restates your thesis, and draws together the persuasive examples that you have
provided. This is also an optimal place to acknowledge alternate points of view while you defend your position.
Other than this, I will expect your responses to be written clearly. Spelling must be accurate (including the
spelling of words in languages other than English), and grammar must be consistent.
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