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ASSIGNMENT: In this unit, you learned some of the reasons for studying religion. You also learned that religion is universally recognizable yet difficult to define. A narrow definition of religion that ties it to a belief in and worship of a higher supernatural power, can exclude religions like Buddhism. On the other hand, definitions of religion that eliminate mention of the otherworldly or divine by equating it simply with faith or belief yield an understanding that is overly broad.

Due to the challenges of studying religion, various methodologies have arisen including: phenomenology, theology, historical approaches, comparison, philosophy, and sociology. This Touchstone gives you an opportunity to reflect on these major approaches to studying religion.

In a 400600 word short essay, you will explain the difficulties involved in defining religion. Then you will select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and explain its strengths and weaknesses.

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A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Review the lessons in Unit 1 as you consider your response. Then, select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and explain what you believe to be its strengths and weaknesses.

Your short essay should include four parts:

• Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define.
• Select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and summarize the approach in your own words.
• Explain a strength of this approach to studying religion.
• Explain a weakness of this approach to studying religion.

The methods for studying religion discussed in Unit 1 include:

• Phenomenology
• Theology
• Historical Approaches
• Comparative Religion
• Philosophy of Religion
• Sociology of Religion

As you develop your reflection, be sure to engage with the course material from Unit 1. You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. Please do not use any sources from outside the class.

HINT

To build the skill of correctly citing your sources in academic writing, you will cite the Sophia tutorials you use in your essay and include a reference page. Because all of your sources will be Sophia tutorials, the in-text and reference page citations will look like this:

• In-text citation: (Sophia Learning, n.d.)
• Reference: Sophia Learning. (n.d.). The Religious Impulse [What is the Impulse?]. Approaches to Studying Religions.

You will adjust your reference page citations to identify the specific tutorials you are referencing. Visit the resource for more assistance.

Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

Have you explained two reasons why religion is difficult to define, in your own words?

Have you selected a method for studying religion from Unit 1 and summarized the approach?

Have you explained a strength and a weakness of this approach to studying religion?

Does your short essay demonstrate engagement with the course material from Unit 1?

Is your short essay between 400600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?

Have you cited examples from the class tutorials with in-text citations?

Have you included a reference page?

Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?

B. Rubric

C. Requirements

The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:

• Composition must be between 400600 words.
• Double-space the composition and use one-inch margins.
• Use a readable 12-point font.
• All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
• Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
• Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
• Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
• Include all of the assignment components in a single .doc and .docx file.
• All cited examples are from the class tutorials.