Please see course Schedule for weekly expectations.

Week 1 has no assignments due to be graded. It is orientation and a very valuable practice time. For your first assignment this week I will ask you to introduce yourself and to write and post your brief "Bio", take the WebTycho Tour 101, and a library skills orientation session. Then you will explore the WebTycho course web site, which will guide you through the various WebTycho links to familiarize you with the basics of the WebTycho system. Other than that, you are pretty much on your own to navigate at will to gain familiarity with what is here. You would be wise to take time to carefully read all links and print some of the files, especially this syllabus.

Week 2-6 things begin in earnest. As typical for most weeks in a graduate course, you will read about 30-100 pages of text. Then you will go to the Virtual Classroom and go to the lectures and assignments listed there. When you drill in, you will see activity links to open. These are like chapters in a book. In turn, each of these has a separate exercise for you to fulfill. I refer to these chapters as Conference Activity Links. Each of the Conference Activity Links will require responses from you. You will NOT post them in your Assignment Folder or send them to me any other way. I will read them in the same way as everyone else – in public view after you post a response. Each is pretty much the same. New pages to read. New conference title. But otherwise, the same. Take a peek at the course schedule and you will see what I mean.

The new twist added by case studies is that you do NOT post your responses in your Submissions Folder . Instead, you post them in the Classroom. Only your midterm exam and final exam response are to be posted in the Submissions Folder. It goes directly to me from there and only you and I will know its contents. In most cases, I will grade anything put into your Assignment folder within 72 hours or three business days if possible and that is how you will get feedback if it is required.

Course Paper Assignment:
You are to complete a research paper for the course, applying the concepts and theories of what you have studied and learned. The paper should analyze the theological positions of two differing religions in the theology (viewed regionally or globally), their religious, and recommend ideas that will further distinguish that religions position within the international context.  Relevant parts of the assigned readings in should also be applied.  The paper, which should be a typed report in word document, 5 double-spaced pages in length (maximum!), font 12, arial or times new roman, and 1.25 left, x1.25 right, x1top, x1 bottom page set-up. 

All topics should be selected and submitted for review to the Professor at Week 5.  Each paper proposal should bear the name of the student proposing it, briefly describe the topic and include a substantial list of books, articles, and other current materials (such as theological studies material) that will be used for the research.  This proposal - from one to three pages - must reflect library and data base research (e.g., ABI/Inform, Lexus/Nexus, etc.).

Because of the limited nature of this paper, it is expected that analysis will be based only on published (secondary) data -- not field (primary) data. The student, for example, may select his or her religion and another religion to compare and contrast.  A standard case study from, e.g., a reputable theological school textbook can also be a useful starting point.  You are encouraged to select to established religions where you have a personal interest, and especially where there is sufficient published information to undertake a substantive comparative analysis.

The completed paper should contain at least the following sections:

Cover Page -- containing the name of the university, title of the paper, course no., author's name, and date submitted.

Table of Contents -- including page numbers.

Executive Summary of one to two pages, clearly summarizing the issues examined, the methodology employed, the alternative strategies evaluated and the strategies recommended. This does not count as one of the 5 pages maximum.

I.  Theological Structure -- a snap shot of the comparative structure of the religion today, including its dominant characteristics, and a key author's analysis.

II. Evolution of the Religion -- determine how the structure of the religion is likely to change in the future (over the next 10 years or so).  How will trends impact the religion?

III. Direction Formulation -- utilizing previous analysis, what direction should the religion pursue to continue its comparative position in the global environment over the coming 10 years?  This section should evaluate alternatives and arrive at a reasoned recommendation.  The rationale for the direction should be based extensively on findings and conclusions set forth in prior sections of the paper.

Conclusion -- draw together all threads of the paper, showing how your recommendation fits the entire analysis.

List of References (consult APA Manual for form).

The paper should exemplify undergraduate level writing, and be professional in appearance, include professional-looking graphics where appropriate for the presentation of data and analysis.  Charts and tables are especially useful in presenting and comparing data, but should be fully explained in the text.

The paper should comply with the format requirements of the 3rd (1984) or 4th (1994) editions of the Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association.  Careful attention should be given to source citations, proper listing of references, the use of footnotes, and the presentation of tables and graphs.  Again, all papers should be typed, double-spaced, using a standard Arial or Times New Roman typeface and margins. The paper, which should be a typed report, 5 double-spaced  pages in length (maximum!), font 12, and 1.25 left, x1.25 right, x1top, x1 bottom page set-up. 

Papers are to be submitted in your designated Conferences file folder. Papers will be graded down for failing to observe any of the above requirements.

Further, students who wish to check or improve their writing style may consult a standard text, such as Strunk & White's The Elements of Style. It is published as an inexpensive paperback.  Effective managers and leaders are also effective communicators.  Written communication is an
important element of the total communication process.

The written comprehensive project report is to be highly creative.

Team papers are encouraged, because they enhance learning among students. Questions regarding these matters should be discussed with the Professor in advance.

Methodology

You, as a student of this real world assignment project, are conducting empirical research. You are responsible for the success of this wonderful experience. This effort requires courtesy, thoughtful communication, dependability, and etiquette from everyone.

You are responsible for keeping your own copy of the entire assignment with all parts together in your HIST 3255 course file for reference after completion. Your will turn in the research paper writing project by posting it in the designated Conferences file folder.

Each person should plan to research and write specific contributions of the assignment, as each will receive an individual grade as part of your course grade. Some may write or contribute more than others. Roles may overlap or be shared, depending on circumstance and each member's skills. You will receive an individual grade and you will be required to evaluate all team members.

Ideas for Roles

Writer: You are required to control the writing and revising the paper.

Group Leader: You will be responsible for coordinating your effort, organizing the assignments, and seeing the final report is submitted on time.

Editor: You will edit and proofread the final document before submission regarding presentation style and flow of ideas.

Artist, Graphics, and Production Manager: You will be responsible for the design, illustrations, layout, Web formats, and technical contributions.

Topic Research Specialist: You are responsible for testing the final project for accuracy. You are to become a master specialist in at least one subject area.

Webmaster: You are responsible for publishing your project in the designated Conferences file folder and administering it.