Year 9 Human Society & Religion

 

Research Assignment - Introduction To Religion (Part I)

 

The Seven Features of Religion – Hinduism and Buddhism

 

 

Length: Min. 500  – Max. 750 words.                                         

 

Value:  25% of yearly mark.

                       

Date due: Week 9 Term 1, 2007.

 

Special instructions: Students must submit a bibliography.

 

Purpose of this assignment

The purpose of this assignment is for students to become skillful with the application of ‘The Seven Features of Religion’ as well as to gain knowledge of two World religions, namely Hinduism and Buddhism.

 

Outcomes being assessed

5.1     Describes and explains the nature and the main features of World religions.

5.4     Uses religious and theological terms and concepts in appropriate contexts.

5.6     Explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of World religions.

 

Task: Students are to undertake research on BOTH Hinduism and Buddhism and analyse each religion according to ‘The Seven Features of Religion’.

 

 

PLANNING SECTION

 

Define the Task

Students are to undertake background research on Buddhism and Hinduism. They then analyse each religion using any THREE of the seven features listed below, for EACH religion.

 

The Seven Features of Religion:

·         Sacred stories

·         Sacred heroes

·         Sacred  site/symbols

·         Sacred  rituals

·         Sacred text

·         Sacred ethics

·         Sacred creeds

 

Students may use the same three features for each religion or three different features for both religions.

 

Locate Information

Information can be found in the 200s section of the Reference section. You can browse the general 200s shelves or use the Library catalogue to access information in the Non-fiction section. The Internet can be searched via the Library webpage http://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/library. Try some of the websites listed below.

 

Select and Analyse

Students can use relevant information in the form of text and pictures and diagrams. You should go beyond description of the features to analyse how each feature is manifested in the religion. Make notes from the resources you use.

 

Organise and Synthesise

Organise your information under appropriate subheadings for the features you have chosen to analyse. Alternatively, you could draw up a grid as a way of organising your material. Combine information from several sources into your own sentences and paragraphs.

 

Create and Present

Assignments should be neatly presented, typed in size 12 font.

 

Evaluate and Reflect

A good presentation will demonstrate:

·         Research skills – Consult a number of resources and include a properly written bibliography.

·         Specific and relevant information.

·         Thorough analysis and evaluation.

Use the marking guidelines below to assist you to gain an assessment in the higher performance bands.

 

Marking guideline

Advanced

 

·       Demonstrates rigorous understanding and analysis of ‘The Seven Features of Religion’

·       Thoroughly researched from a wide range of relevant sources

·       Professionally presented and communicated

Highly

Competent

·       Demonstrates a sound understanding and analysis of ‘The Seven Features of Religion’

·       Thoroughly researched from a range of relevant sources

·       Well set out and communicated

Competent

·       Demonstrates understanding and some analysis of ‘The Seven Features of Religion’ 

·       Researched from at least three relevant sources

·       Presentation is organised and reasonably well communicated

Developing

·       Demonstrates some understanding, but little analysis of ‘The Seven Features of Religion’

·       Researched mainly from one or two sources

·       Presentation lacks organisation and is unclear in parts 

Experiencing

Difficulty

·       Little evidence of understanding of  ‘The Seven Features of Religion’, with no analysis

·       Research is superficial and mainly from one source

·       Limited thought given to presentation and communication

 

 

Good websites for this assignment

These will be direct links on the Library webpage.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/

 

http://www.worldreligions.co.uk/

 

http://www.religionfacts.com/

 

http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/