Final
Exam
Four Long Essay Questions
Compose an essay for each of the following questions. Each essay should be a minimum of two pages,
double-spaced with 1” margins, 12 pt. font.
1.
Summarize and compare
the basic forms of practice found in Sufism and Hindu Vedanta, as well as the
ultimate aims of these practices.
2.
Describe Luther’s notions of
salvation, works, and faith. How did these notions contribute to a
“reformation”?
3.
Summarize the
perspectives of the Apostle Paul and Siddhartha Gautama Buddha on the nature of
human beings and the “human problem”; then develop a set of reflections in
which you address similarities and differences between the two perspectives.
4.
Describe the religious and
political circumstances which shape the formation of early Islam and
Christianity, then make comparisons.
In your essays, it is very
important that you:
1.
Be specific about
sub-traditions, movements, sects, persons, historical events and dates -- even if the question doesn’t specify them. For example, be careful not to refer to “the
Hindu tradition,” as this will likely be too general;
2.
Use terms frequently and accurately throughout;
3.
Clarify the concepts that
you use (i.e., spell them out);
4.
Refer to appropriate
textual traditions (e.g., Hadiths, Gospels) and texts (e.g.,
Upanishads, Qur’an) whenever possible.
Because this is a take-home exam, I will expect a high level of
writing and will grade accordingly.
The
exam is due to me by 8:00 AM on December the 16th.
Send your exam to me by email: djmeckel@smcm.edu
Put the following in the subject line:
“RELG 110 Final Exam. Section __”
I will send an acknowledgement of receipt to you when your exam arrives. Remember that I am seven hours ahead of you, so I might not send the acknowledgement for some hours after you send the exam. If you do not receive a message from me within 24 hours, it is your responsibility to contact me.