Category: Writing

Introduction to Scriptures Guided Lecture Notes

What is a scripture?

How is scripture a relational quality?

Are the scriptures of various religious traditions overall similar to each other? Why or why not?

What types of writings can a scripture contain?

Oral Religions:

Do all religious traditions have scriptures? What religions do not have a written scripture?

Why was the Rig Veda not written down until the 20th century? What does that tell us about

the attitudes of Hindus towards their sacred texts?

Do all religions traditions find their texts to be incredibly important to their religion? Why not?

Why do you think that some religions reject having an authoritative written text?

The Uses of Scripture

What is the cognitive use of scriptures?

What is the aural use of scriptures?

What is the iconic use of scriptures?

What is a talisman and how can a sacred text be used as one?

What is bibliomancy? And how are some sacred texts used in this way?

Protestant Bias

How did the Protestant Reformation radically change the nature of Christianity?

How did these attitudes influence Western culture?

What are the assumptions about scripture that this leads to?

Pros and Cons of Studying Scriptures Comparatively

What are the pros of studying scriptures in this way?

What are the cons of studying scriptures in this way?

Zoroastrian Scriptures Guided Lecture Notes

History of Zoroastrianism

1. Where in the world did Zoroastrianism begin?
2. Who was the original prophet of Zoroastrianism? When did he live?
3. How was Zoroastrianism connected to the Persian Empire? What other empires was it connected to?
4. When and how did Zoroastrian lose its status as the official religion of Persia?
5. Who are the Parsis? And where do they live?
6. What is the status of Zoroastrians in Iran today?
7. How many Zoroastrians are there in the world today? And where do they live?

What is Zoroastrianism

1. Who is Ahura Mazda?
2. Who is Angra Mainyu?
3. Who are the Amesha Spentas?
4. What is dualism and how is it related to Zoroastrianism? How is Zoroastrianism monotheistic?
5. What does good thoughts, good words, and good deeds mean in Zoroastrianism?
6. What is asha in Zoroastrianism?
7. What is the role and symbolism of the sacred fire in Zoroastrianism? What are fire temples?
8. What is a sky burial?

Zoroastrian Scriptures

1. What is the Avesta?
2. What are the Yasnas and Gathas?
3. What are the yashts?
4. What is the Visperad?
5. What is the Vendidad?
6. What are the Pahlavi texts?
7. What is the Denkard?
8. What is the Bundahishn?
9. What is the Arda Viraf?
10. What is the Dadestan-i Denig?

Influence of Zoroastrianism

1. How did the silk road lead to the spread of Zoroastrianism?
2. How did Zoroastrians and Jews come into contact with each other?
3. How might have Zoroastrianism influenced Jewish theology and/or texts?
4. How might Zoroastrianism have influenced the theology and texts of Christianity?
5. How might Zoroastrianism have influenced Muslim texts and theology?

PART 1

Overview

The “Current Events in Public Health” assignments are designed to help integrate the concepts in each module and then relate them to public health current events. This week the topic is: finding valid support and using proper citations in your work.

It helps to meet: Course Objectives

• 12) Identify, assess and utilize credible information resources on community health current issues, such
  as the Internet, social media, media outlets, and libraries
• 18) Communicate orally and in writing in the scientific language of the discipline.
• 19: Interpret and evaluate public health and medical information from general and subject specific library and credible Internet sources.

You will use the provided article(s) to complete the assignment.

Key Takeaways:

• *You must use in-text citations AND references at the end on each assignment.
• *This improves your academic skills and also helps to prevent misinformation.
• *This will help your grades in ALL classes.

Deeper Dive Into Assignment Purpose

Why are we doing this? Searches are now largely AI based, many of us use AI to summarize or even edit documents. (You should not be using it to write it completely!). The goal is to get you used to:

1. Finding proof of a health claim
2. Making sure to find the actual references when AI is the search (which is pretty much all the time now!) Why? AI often lists references that are not exact, you need to scan the article to make sure it does contain your proof.
3. Understanding if the reference fits your level. Is the source it so complex you can’t even read it? If not, find another one.
4. Citing AI if you are using it for any summary or writing (even if you use it to summarize a very scientific article.)

Readings

Read this interesting from NBC. Then lets chat about it!

Assignment Steps

1. Read the provided piece. Then you will find another source about it and analyze how you found your information. FIRST FOR THE SUMMARY AND FACT FINDING
2. Find a comment in the article that is interesting to you. You can talk about aging, memory, loneliness, ways to combat aging, social inequalities and aging, the list is endless. Find anything that strikes you. Write two sentences on that in your own voice and tell us why it is interesting to you
3. Then use the internet to find a fact (something proven to be true) on the topic you chose.
4. Write a 1-3 sentence summary to tell the reader how it relates to the article.
5. Provide a reference for your fact. NOW FOR THE ANALYSIS OF YOUR RESEARCH…
6. Take a screenshot of your source.
   1. To screenshot, use the “PrtSC” or screenshot feature on your computer or phone. Save it as a jpg to include. (png will not work)
7. Comment on if the source was appropriate. Was it only available by abstract or could you see the whole article? Did it support your point well? Did you see the correct information in the article? etc.

Example: Education and Aging

SUMMARY AND FACT FINDING:

I decided to link education and longevity since I am a teacher. I fact I found is that having an education means you may live longer. I found another article called “A seminal 2005 study focused on increases in compulsory education between 1915 and 1939 across US states and found that a year of schooling reduced mortality by 3.6%” (1). Schooling makes you live longer!

1. Zajacova A, Lawrence EM. The Relationship Between Education and Health: Reducing Disparities Through a Contextual Approach. Annu Rev Public Health
2. Sourced via Chrome Pilot 8/20/2025

RESEARCH ANALYSIS

I used Google to search so it gave me its AI summary right away. I searched the question “does education make you live longer. I had to click a few links to find one that had proof of education and living longer. When I found the article, it did support my question, but it is pretty complicated. I used the summary more than the whole article, which I did have access to. Below is my search and the article.

What You Need to Accomplish

1. Provide an article summary of 3-5 sentences.
2. Provide an additional fact from an additional credible source
3. Your fact(s) must be properly noted on the slide with in-text citations
4. Provide a screenshot of the article for your additional fact.
5. Provide a personal reflection.
6. Use the format in the example.
7. Reference at the end.
8. USE YOUR OWN VOICE. IT SHOULD SOUND LIKE YOU ARE TALKING TO A FRIEND!

Potential Stress AND Grades Warning!

I went to a meeting with a panel of students and they were so focused on if faculty screened work for “cut and paste”. They were also very worried about the “Turnitin” score being high on work, indicating plagiarism . Let’s help keep stress down!

First, on an assignment like this, your “plagiarism” score will be high! Does it mean you copied? No! It means you have a quote and a reference in a short piece. Turnitin just scans for exact copy so it is naturally high on this and that is ok!

Faculty uses screening tools and” cut and paste search” when work is suspect, not as a sole indicator of cheating. So, try not to worry too much. Our academic integrity unit went over this, but I don’t want you to get high blood pressure on this assignment: ) Cite, use references and make work your own and you will do great!

Sources

Article: SuperAgers over 80 share strong memory and social lifestyles, Northwestern study finds.

Help Resources

Tutoring: if you need help , make an appointment with the

Office Hours: Use the to see how to schedule

Citation Help:

A summary is a short overview of the main idea. It is not listing facts, copying or saying a great deal. It is JUST the main idea of the article with a key point or two to support that idea. It has a clear overview sentence. Read my example to see.

PART 2-

Purpose

The purpose of the reflective journal is for you to take time to reflect on your values, perceptions, and beliefs regarding the care of infants and toddlers.

Expectation

Please make sure that your journal entries are at least one paragraph long. Keep in mind that your responses will be evaluated based on their depth, rather than being right or wrong. Please share your thoughts, and feedback will be given in the form of questions to encourage deeper thinking. You can resubmit these assignments, and they should be at least 150 words long.

Reflective Prompt

How would you define professionalism? What are the characteristics that make someone a professional?

PART 3

IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT BY THE DUE DATE YOU MUST CANVAS MESSAGE ME OR ELSE YOU RISK BEING DROPPED FROM THE CLASS.

Assignment goal

• Recognize settle colonialism in Native American lands.
• Discuss Native American resistance.

Instructions

Use your understanding from the readings and do the following:

1. Explain how the settler colonialism is established. How exactly are settlers transforming the lands and lives of indigenous peoples?
   1. Use the settler colonialism definition included in the video on Canvas for this week.
   2. Use at least 3 specific examples (direct quotations) from the the Takaki chapter only that show settler colonialism.
   3. In order to receive credit, please cite (Takaki, 2012, p. page number here) (Subheading_______). For subheading, use the subheading that the example falls under. For example on page 2 the subheading is Andrew Jackson: “To…Tread on the Graves of Extinct Nations”
   4. In order to receive credit you must explain why the example shows settler colonialism

1. Discuss examples of Native American resistance in Section 4.5: Perspective and Future Directions

1. 1. Choose 2 things that resonate with you from section 4.5. By resonate I mean what surprises you, what stands out to you, what affects you in some way, what did you learn that you didnt know before, and/or what did you already know that was enhanced by something you read here.
   2. Pick 2 specific examples using direct quotations, using the citation style above (with subheading) and explain why each thing resonates with you.

Post your assignment to Canvas assignment Settler Colonialism

Grading Criteria

• including 3 direct quotations in number 1 and 2 direct quotations in number 2 — (3 points each) = 15 points possible
• citing each quotation properly– redo if not cited according to guidelines
• includes an appropriate explanation for each quotation (5 quotations) — (3 points each) = 15 points possible
• appropriate use of the settler colonialism definition (5 points) = 5 points possible

PART 4

StudiesDiscussion board 2: Introduction to Ethnic Studies

**IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT BY THE DUE DATE YOU MUST CANVAS MESSAGE ME OR ELSE YOU RISK BEING DROPPED FROM THE CLASS.

PLEASE NOTE: Discussion boards are locked a few days after the due date. In most circumstances, they cannot be made up so please check that your post and responses have gone through. In extreme circumstances, contact me via Canvas.

Discussion Board goal:

1. Discuss the origins of Ethnic Studies.
2. Relate what you learned about Ethnic Studies to you and your life or interests.

Discussion Board purpose:

The purpose of this discussion is to take what you learn about Ethnic Studies and describe what meaning/significance it has for you. This will also help to process the affective (emotional) and cognitive (mind) and put it into conversation with the rest of us. Here we create a space where we start from where we are at in our learning and initial exposure to the subject.

Step-by-step prompt directions:

Please read the Ethnic Studies materials and write a response and submit via Canvas.

1. In the Ethnic Studies readings: tell me 3 things that resonated/stood out (or that “spoke to you”, that impacted you in some way, that surprised you, that you learned, that you knew already but “spoke to you” differently, etc) in the Ethnic Studies readings.
2. Use direct quotations and cite them. THEN explain why you chose those quotations (why they resonated with you).
3. To cite: After the quotation put (author, year, page). Although unconventional, I also want you to put the subheadings section that you cite. For the 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4 readings, there is no page number so you just put (Fischer, 2023, subheading). 2.4 The Beginning of Ethnic Studies reading has a different author.
4. Submit to Canvas by the deadline.
5. Respond to 2 other classmates by Wednesday, February 11th, 1159pm

REWRITE TO REMOVE AI DETECTION & PLAGIARISM

• 1. Preserve content and structure
  • Keep all ideas, arguments, examples, and overall structure the same.
  • Do not add new arguments, theories, or concepts from course materials.
  • Do not change the thesis or analytical organization of the paper.

  2. Style-focused revision only

  • You may adjust sentence structure, length, transitions, and word choice to improve flow and reduce formulaic patterns.
  • The writing should remain academic, coherent, and natural, not robotic or overly polished.

  3. No content changes

  • Do not change or remove the leadership examples from Tulane.
  • Do not alter the meaning of any section.
  • Rewriting should affect wording only, not ideas or claims.

  4. APA and mechanics

  • Please check grammar, clarity, and APA 7 formatting consistency. please double check the sources and make sure they match and are real too.
  • Do not add, remove, or alter citations without approval.

  please also make sure paper follows all instructions for paper too. thank you!

  Mini Analysis 1: Organizational Leadership Theory & Practice

  Total Points: 150 | Length: 45 pages

  Purpose of This Assignment

  This mini-analysis asks you to critically examine organizational leadership and change using theories from Parts I and II (Chapters 14) of Hickmans Leading Change in Multiple Contexts. Rather than summarizing the readings, you will analyze, critique, and apply leadership theory to real organizational contexts.You are encouraged to think deeply, creatively, and analytically. You may also incorporate insights from the Noopila & Chacn text to strengthen your analysis.

  Core Expectations (Three Required Dimensions)

  Your paper must clearly demonstrate all three of the following:

  1. Strong engagement with leadership theory
  • Accurate and thoughtful use of key concepts from the course readings.
  • Clear evidence that you understand the theoretical foundations.
  1. Critical analysis
  • Evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of leadership and change theories.
  • Address what works, what does not, and why.
  1. Creative and flexible thinking about change
  • Push beyond surface-level analysis.
  • Explore innovative, alternative, or outside-the-box approaches to leadership and organizational change.

  Content Instructions

  • Select 34 leadership or change concepts from Parts I and II (Chapters 14) of the Hickman text.
  • For each concept, you must:
  • Clearly introduce and explain the concept.
  • Integrate at least one scholarly, peer-reviewed source beyond the textbook.
  • Apply the concept to a real-world example, such as:
  • An organization or leader
  • A historical or contemporary event
  • A professional or personal experience

  Research & Citation Requirements

  • You must include 34 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course textbook.
  • All sources must be cited in-text and on the reference page using APA 7th edition format.
  • Google Scholar is an excellent resource for locating appropriate academic sources.
  • Papers that do not consistently integrate course readings and scholarly sources will not receive a passing grade.

  Formatting Requirements (APA 7th Edition Required)

  Your paper must follow APA 7th edition guidelines for all formatting, including:

  • Title page (APA 7 student paper format)
  • Running head (if required by APA 7 student guidelines)
  • 12-point Times New Roman (or APA-approved font)
  • Double-spaced text
  • 1-inch margins
  • Page numbers
  • Proper APA 7 in-text citations
  • Properly formatted APA 7 reference page

  Failure to follow APA 7th edition formatting and citation standards will result in point deductions.

  Length

  • 45 pages total (maximum 5 pages)
  • Title page and reference page do not count toward the page limit

  Paper Structure & Organization

  A clear analytic structure is essential at the graduate level.

  1. Introduction

  Your introduction should:

  • Establish interest and context
  • Clearly identify the focus of the paper
  • Present a clear thesis statement (your main argument or purpose and why it matters)
  • Preview the organization of the paper

  2. Body of the Paper

  • Each paragraph should begin with a strong mini-thesisa clear, analytical opening sentence.
  • These opening sentences should:
  • Advance your argument
  • Make a clear claim
  • Be able to stand alone as a meaningful statement
  • Support your analysis with evidence from the course text and scholarly sources.

  3. Conclusion

  • Summarize key insights from your analysis
  • Reflect on implications for leadership practice
  • Suggest directions for future leadership or change-oriented inquiry

  Final Notes

  These instructions are intentionally broad to allow for intellectual flexibility. You may:

  • Compare and contrast leadership theories
  • Critique dominant models of change
  • Propose innovative leadership approaches
  • Analyze leadership within specific organizational or social contexts

  However, freedom does not replace rigor. Strong structure, critical analysis, consistent use of course readings, and strict adherence to APA 7th edition are essential for success.

  When making grammar or style changes, the writing does not need to sound overly academic, but it should also not be overly simplified. Please aim for a clear, natural academic tone. same tone as everything really just no ai please.

Please watch the following video and using the rubric and what you know about advocacy write a one page paper also include title page. Please see att

Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Document37.pdf

Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

PART 1

Assignment Composition Assignment

Exercise:

1. There are five compositions to make here. Make five 6″ square frames. Then make a composition with ONLY 5 shapes for each composition. Do NOT copy the examples. See the PDF. DO NOT label them inside the composition. Label them outside the composition, otherwise it becomes part of the art.
2. Also you can like or comment on others. Critique at least 2 finished designs. Use the critique guide to help you.

PART 2

SquareExploding Square

Part I: Positive and Negative Space is the objective.

Divide/cut up (in any direction with only 5-8 cuts- you will have 6-9 pieces) a 14 x 18″ solid black rectangle and move the pieces to be a successful positive/ negative (black and white) composition in a 18 x 24″ rectangle (that is the size of your big sketch pad). Cut the black rectangle into basic shapes, nothing too complicated. Cuts can be straight or curved.

Separate the black rectangle like a puzzle ( keep the pieces in the same position, like top and bottom- So you keep a rectangle based shape) Move them to create a strong positive/ negative design. You don’t have to stay on the edges. When you are certain of the design, paste it down.

White space between black shapes is very important. Concentrate on those. Notice the shapes they suggest.

Part II: After you create one and submit to the discussion, enter a critique of a fellow students work by hitting reply within 24 hours of the due date. Tell them what’s working in terms of balance, positive negative space and creativity. Examples: Is there too little or too much negative space or is it working well? Does it feel balanced or is it unbalanced? Which type of balance of the 4 types apply?

View the examples. Do NOT copy them.

PART 3

9)First Discussion Forum (due 2/9)

Romantic and and Neoclassical Art

For detailed instructions, please read the “” page in the module.

Modern art began with the revolt of artists against the artistic traditions that had dominated art since the Renaissance. For the first time, some artists began to explore art as an expression of individual will and vision (Romanticism), while others continued to uphold tradition (Neoclassical and Academic art)

In a two paragraph response, you will choose work of art and describe the ways in which it reflects the spirit of either or .

Post: 20 points

Your post should be about two paragraphs and include an image of your subject as well as links to at least two online sources.

Please write your response in your own words (not copy/paste or ChatGPT)!

Two Comments: 5 points each

Respond to two of your peers by Wednesday 2/11 at 11:59 PM. When you comment on the work of another student, challenge yourself to make additional observations and include new information. Each comment should be about a paragraph.

PART 4

InspirationsModule One Extra Credit: Introductions and Inspirations

Extra Credit: Introductions and Inspirations

Roy Lichtenstein, Still Life with Palette, 1972. Oil and Magna on canvas 152.4 243.8 cm.

As we begin this class, I want to give all of you the opportunity to introduce yourselves! Please tell the class something about yourself and share an art-related experience that has been meaningful in your life. It would be helpful if you upload an image to accompany your text but if that is not possible, just describe your experience as well as you can. I encourage you to reflect on the impact of art in your community, family, or daily life.

You will receive 10 points extra credit for your post, which should be one or two paragraphs. Alternately, you may submit a short video introducing yourself by using the menu above the text box. You will receive 5 points extra credit for responding to the post of another student. I am looking forward to learning more about you!

If you would like to learn a little bit more about my own perspective as an artist, you can find my work at

Read the section titled “Dreams – A Royal Road?” in your text. This section discusses theories on dreams, the history of dream interpretation, the most common characteristics of dreams, and the meaning of dreams.

Check out these websites:

For this weeks Journal entry, answer the following questions. Be sure to include factual, properly cited information in your post.

Write about a dream that really made an impact on you. It can be a recurring dream, a scary dream, a happy dream, or an especially vivid dream. What do these websites say about the interpretation of your dream? Do you feel these interpretations are accurate? What do you think is the meaning behind this dream?

Directions:

1. Write at least 250 words about this topic. Post your word count at the end of your journal.

2. Make sure to cite a source in your journal article using APA style. The source may be your text or any other source you research.

The purpose of this exercise is to identify and analyze SCHOLARLY sources in the field of communication. Utlize A-State library resources for Communication Studies to find your sources.

I recommend beginning with Communication & Mass Media, Communication Abstract, or Communication Source. Added Sept 23 for Spring 2023: I will be utilizing Find Journals to check to see that at least half of the annotations are from the above Communication related databases. You might also find articles from outside the comm databases that are related or help establish the significance of your study.

Identify at least 4 (four) sources that could potentially be used as supporting documentation for your literature review final project and compile/write an annotated bibliography from the sources. The sources in the bibliography should primarily come from communication-related publications and relate to theories, models, approaches, contexts, issues, or factors relating to communication (see module resources). Be sure the annotation includes how the source relates/contributes to your potential project. Each entry should be at least 60 words long. Citations should be written in APA style.

Be sure you have read Module Lessons, including Annotated Bibliography resources, before beginning this exercise. I HAVE ATTACHED WHAT I TURNED IN LAST WEEK KEEP THE SAME TITLE….