Sociology of Religion

GUIDELINES FOR THE GROUP PRESENTATION

An important part of your grade will be participating in a group presentation on a new religious movement not studied in class. While many students do not like group projects (it's sometimes difficult to get together with other members, someone in the group slacks off and effects the work of the rest of the group, etc.) I feel that such projects are reflective of the actual challenges you will face when you go to work at your first "real job." In short, this assignment is not just a way to earn points, but to learn valuable skills that can be put to use outside of the classroom. You will learn, for example, how to deal with conflict, how to work cooperatively to achieve goals, how to become a better communicator, and how to interact with others that may be different from you ethnically, socially, culturally, etc. Groups will consist of four members and will be formed by the instructor. No one is allowed to do an independent presentation. Groups will be expected to put together a 15 minute presentation worth 20 points on their chosen group. You should feel free to use several types of media and techniques in your presentation (e.g. Powerpoint, costumes, plays, etc.). In short, be creative as well as informative. You will be required to do your own research and compile a list of all materials you drew from for your presentation.

WORKING AS A GROUP

If you need my help, do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Keep in mind, however, that I am here to guide you, not do your work. If a situation should arise which cannot be resolved by the group as a whole, I will ask as mediator for the group. As a final result, if any group member(s) should continue to not participate or perform their agreed upon role(s) or task(s), that student(s) will be removed from the group and be responsible for an individual research paper; the topic, page length and format of the paper will be chosen by the instructor.

CHOOSING A NRM FOR PRESENTATION

Groups will choose one of the following NRMs to research and present material on:

1. The Amish 8. Shinto

2. The Mormons 9. Jainism

3. Seventh Day Adventists 10. Sikhism

4. The Jehovah’s Witnesses 11. United Methodists

5. The Mennonites 12. Presbyterian USA

6. Assemblies of God 13. Episcopalians

7. Zoroastrainism 14. United Church of Christ

WHAT YOU WILL PRESENT

You should include the following information in your presentation:

·  Name of your religion

·  Founder of the religion

·  Nationality of Founder

·  Date and Location founded

·  Number of members in the group

·  Founder’s history

·  The group’s doctrine (In other words, what do they believe?)

·  What other religions have influenced this religion and how?

·  A short history of the emergence of the group

·  The ultimate concern of the group

·  The role of beliefs, practices, and rituals.

·  How has secularization influenced the group.

·  Any other information you find interesting or pertinent

I would recommend breaking the presentation/research up into four parts:

1. History of the founder

2. History of the group

3. The Doctrine, religious influences, etc.

4. An analysis of the beliefs, practices, and rituals of the group, the influence of secularization,

etc.

GRADING THE PRESENTATION

Here are some things that I am looking at when I assign you a grade:

1. Inclusion of all pertinent information

2. Clear and accurate explanation of the material

3. Presentation style (too much reading from the screen or off notes will lose points quickly)