3(a) Particular Comparison:

This is most likely what you focused on in your Unit 1 paper: highlighting similarities & differences between the film scene, reading passage(s), and some specific detail(s) from one other WOR or CP reading (perhaps one of the ancient sources not allowed for #2); but in this case you may not use NHLR as a second reading for this part, because you'll bring that source in for 3(b). As before, make sure you consider some aspect of the sources beyond simply their main characters and/or authors, comparing also at least one other type of comparison (review Unit 1 paper guidelines for a comprehensive list).

[view 3(a) in the writing sample] [back to overview]

3(b) Wider Comparison I:

Here you need to explain the way that the examples represented in #1 & 2 (especially the details of your chosen scene and excerpt) illustrate, or else reveal some contradition regarding, one or more essential feature(s) of the tradition represented by your sources. First, choose two or three of key terms or concepts linked to that tradition, which you feel pinpoint one or more of essential features. In doing so, you must quote, with explicit citation of page number(s), at least one specific excerpt from the middle portion of the relevant NHLR chapter (i.e., description of some concrete detail vs. a general statement about the tradition as a whole); you may also wish to paraphrase details from the overview lecture and/or handout, as appropriate.

[view 3(b) in the writing sample] [back to overview]

3(c) Wider Comparison II:

For this last part of the comparison, you must say something about the way that the examples represented in #1 & 2 provide insight into some element of religious life common to all traditions considered in this class so far; this reflection may include some personal connection you have made with one or more of the sources considered in the paper. In discussing the general nature of religious life across traditions, it is important that you articulate precisely what you mean by terms such "religion," "faith," "belief," "god," since these terms are linked primarily to Christian (and to a lesser extent Jewish) examples; but note that you are not required to use these terms in your reflection.

[view 3(c) in the writing sample] [back to overview]

Adding an Introductory Paragraph:

To write your introductory paragraph I recommend that you simply take material from either 3(a), (b), &/or (c) , as outlined above, since these all draw attention to some essential feature(s) of the sources or the tradition in question, or religious life generally; your introductory paragraph should then preview the film & primary reading you will use to illustrate the essential feature(s) you wish to emphasize. The remainder of your paper might also more explicitly connect each of your sources to the main focus articulated in the introductory paragraph. CAUTION: I strongly recommend that you write this introductory paragraph last, after you've completed the selective summary & comparison steps; and then revise your summaries & conclusion to highlight what is in that first paragraph, if you wish.

[View introductory paragraph sample] [back to overview]

Integrating Elements:

If you also wish to integrate the selective summaries of film & reading, make sure you still include a separate 1-2 sentence synopsis for both before discussing them together, and provide an independent closing statement regarding each. If you integrate your comparison of sources with the selective summaries of those sources, make sure that you clearly represent the wider context for any film scenes & excerpts you highligh. Use my comments regarding your Unit 1 paper to decide whether you are I confident enough in your ability to selectively summarize film & readings.

[View integrated version] [back to overview]

Point Values:

As before, just under two thirds of your score (60 out of 100 points) will be based on the representation of film & reading (#1 & 2 as described in the Unit 1 guidelines), so again make sure to give your representations the attention and space they deserve. The three elements 3(a)- (c) of your comparison will count for 20, 15, and 5 point(s) respectively, again for a total of 40 points. As with the Unit 1 paper, what follows the two representations is no more significant than those representations; again note that failing to address either comparison or conclusion will considerably lower your score and shortchange your learning. As before, the score for a paper submitted late will be decreased by one-half grade (= 1 point) for each class day late.

Details regarding style and format for the papers, as presented in class for the Unit 1 paper, may be reviewed by reading FAQ #18-25.