In this writing assignment, you will compare, contrast, and make connections between and among Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. You may only cite materials from the course–no outside research is permitted. The primary focus of the essay are the Hindu (Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita, bhakti poetry), Jain, and Indian Buddhist traditions; you also have the option of including Theravada Buddhism in your essay. Please cite your sources following a standard academic style (Chicago, MLA, or APA). If you need help with citations, Auraria Library has an excellent online tool to help you format your citations correctly: https://guides.auraria.edu/religiousstudies/citationsLinks to an external site. (Remember, of course, that the tool, like all technological marvels, is prone to making errors. Be sure to check the output of the citation generator against the model for the source you’re citing, whether it’s a book, article, podcast, video, blog…)
You have your choice of three prompts. Each requires you to make a thesis and argument, support your claims with evidence from sources, to write clearly, and to cite your sources. Your essay must be a minimum of 1,000 words. There is no upper limit on the word count, though clarity and conciseness are valuable skills to practice. Prompt 2 comes with a 1.05x score multiplier and requires more engagement with primary sources. Prompt 3 comes with a 1.1x score multiplier and requires in-depth use of primary sources and connections on multiple aspects of each tradition.
Due Date: Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11:59 PM on Canvas.
Note: Students who submit the assignment by Friday, Oct. 18 at 11:59 PM will receive +3 bonus points added to the end of their grade.
Prompt 1: How do Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists understand the problem of existence in the world and what path(s) does each profess for resolving this problem? Be sure to note what ideas, concepts, and terms are held in common among the three and how each tradition is distinctive, uses terms differently, and has its own terminology. Use as many Key Words as necessary and cite examples from primary sources, secondary sources, course lectures, podcasts, and videos from the course modules.