SRS Self-Study Parameters

SEMINAR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Self Study Project Parameters

1. Choose a general area of religious study from the following list:

a.                   Religious Philosophy  (Study of Religion using reason)

b.                  Theology (Study of God and Religious belief using scripture and reason)

c.                   Biblical and Sacred Books Studies  (Study of a single portion of the bible like the book of James or the story of Samson in the book of Judges)

d.                  Religious Aesthetics (Study of the use of beauty and art in Religion)

e.                   Religious Ethics  (Study of what is right and wrong)

f.                   Religious Experience (Study of the relationship between human and God)

g.                  Religious History (Study of both individuals and/or the Church during specific times or events in history)

h.                  Comparative Religions  (Study of similarities and differences between certain religions)

i.                    Religion and Human Sciences  (Study of how Religion and sociology, psychology, and anthropology interact with each other)

j.                    Religion and Hard Science (Study of how Religion and biology, physics, and mathematics interact with each other)

2. In consultation with teacher, narrow choice down to a manageable and specific learning objective.

1. Example:  General Area:  H:  Religion and Hard Science.  “I plan to learn about the relationship between recent studies of the human brain and the religious experience of prayer.”
2. Example:  General Area:  G:  Religious Aesthetics.  “I plan to learn about the role of design and architecture in worship in the new Cathedral in Los Angeles.”
3. Example:  General Area:  F:  Religious Experience.  “I plan to learn about the role and impact prayer plays on our campus of Loma Linda Academy.”

3. In consultation with the teacher and student work group plan the learning process using the following minimum requirements:

1. A minimum of 3 solid internet sources.
2. A minimum of 3 books or periodical sources.
3. A minimum of 1 of the following:  interview or survey.
4. A minimum of 1 of the optionals listed below:

                                                              i.      Optional Film Review (watch films/videos that deal with subject)

                                                            ii.      Optional Personal Experiment (create a controlled event exploring situations related to topic)

                                                          iii.      Optional Observation  (visit a location; observe a practice; etc.)

                                                          iv.      Other (propose creative ideas to teacher for approval)

4. Product of research must be neatly typed in either a prose or outline format with a bibliography page.
5. In consultation with teacher and student work group plan the presentation of learning experience.  Use following guidelines in your plans:

1. During research determine an outcome.  (information, position, inspiration, etc.)
2. Plan to present between 5-10 minutes (longer to be cleared with teacher.)
3. Presentation can include the following:

-Speech

-Demonstration

-Video

-Drama

-Art

-Simulation

-Other (Propose creative ideas to teacher for approval)

6. Presentation of information is to be in the following format:

1. Introduce presenters.
2. Introduce topic with an interesting hook.
3. Present information in a well-planned format using speech techniques discussed in class.
4. Be prepared to hold an engaging question and answer afterward

7. Include with typed research product a description of your presentation strategy.  Explain what you are doing and why/relevance.

8. In consultation with teacher create grading rubric/self evaluation for project.

1. Try to determine the value of what you learned.
2. Try to determine the validity of what you learned.
3. Try to determine the integrity of your effort and work.
4. Try to determine the clarity of your work and presentation.
5. Try to determine the overall achievement of your goals.
6. Use a likert scale         1 2 3 4 5

Don’t be too hard on yourself but don’t cheat yourself out of a valuable self-assessment!

9. Hand in Rubric and Bibliography.