Problem
The idea of a ‘Blog' in this class is to make a striking claim to challenge common assumptions about religion. Think creatively along these lines: i) What is a common assumption your friends have of religion based on the topic; and ii) respond to that common assumption with what you have learned in the course by ‘Bushwhacking' or clearing the misconceptions about the topic.
Choose 1
• Based on what you have learned, how did ‘religion' develop throughout human history? Make sure to navigate through premodern and modern developments of human religiosity and/or theisms. (Common assumption to critique: Religion is originally monotheistic. Basic ideas to inform your response: Primal religions and animism and the development of religion that ends in premodernity with monotheism and culminates in modernity with atheism)
• We often think of Buddhism as a way of life and of the Buddha as a jolly fat fellow. But in reality, who was Siddhartha Gautama and what are his central teachings? Students should address key aspects of Siddhartha's life and his teachings of the four noble truths (or his ideas of anicca, anatta, or pratityatsamudpada if you have the interest!).
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.