Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

Essay Guidelines
An essay must make an argument. It must define a clear problem and argue a position. It must begin with a clear thesis. Subsequent paragraphs develop that thesis, representing stages in the argument, using textual or historical evidence to substantiate that thesis. Often a clear title will help focus the paper; the title should indicate the thesis and not be simply descriptive.

Papers will be downgraded if there are too many serious errors of form. Plagiarism is, of course, not permissible. The paper should include footnotes and a bibliography in accordance with a standard style sheet (e.g., MLA, Chicago, SBL, etc.). A valuable additional resource is Strunk and White’s Elements of Style (New York: Macmillan, 1982).

In your writing (and in the class overall), you will considerably improve your performance if, instead of saying, “I feel X about this passage,” you strive to say: “The text says X, and it says it here on p. Y, line Z.” You can continue this approach by saying, “In a way, the text does not make sense, because in this very same text, it says something different—at p. x, line z.” In other words, always seek, first, to summarize in your own words the content of a given passage and to describe it exactly in its own terms.

In order to receive a grade of “A,” a paper should:
Demonstrate a firm grasp of the assignment and the issues involved in it;
Cite specific examples or passages from the text;
Provide a mature intellectual analysis; concepts developed in the course;
Make a clear argument that displays a logical progression of ideas;
Be well organized, making use of an introduction, body, and conclusion;
Be correct in grammar and syntax;
Utilize proper referencing techniques by giving credit for any ideas that are not the author’s own, and using proper footnote and bibliography form.
Form of Citing the Bible
Genesis 1                    means Genesis, chapter 1. Genesis 1:4 means chapter 1, verse 4.

Genesis 1-3                means chapters 1-3.

Genesis 1:1-5:6          means from chapter 1, verse 1 through ch. 5, v. 6.

Genesis 1:1-5; 2:4-6    means chs. 1, vv. 1-5; and then ch. 2, vv. 4-6.

You MUST cite at least three (3) sources NOT part of assigned reading in class (though you may also use all the course materials as well).

I am not overly opinion as to how you cite these sources (MLA/Chicago style, SBL/Society of Biblical Literature format), as long as you clearly attribute ideas, quotes, and material that you incorporate into your papers.

Length: 5 pages

Format: 1-inch margins, double-spaced, 12 point font (and a readable font like Times New Roman)

Topic:
You are a specialist in the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and have been asked to advise the Secretary of State. The Secretary is planning to visit the Middle East where he will meet with heads of various religious and political groups including Pope Francis, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi, among others. During his peace talks, the Secretary of State is considering leveraging the phrase “Abrahamic Religions” as a means of finding common ground for discussion and as an entryway into the similarities between the religions that can lead to lasting policies in order to promote peace. You have been asked to offer your expert opinion, using primary source information from the religious texts and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, about whether or not “Abrahamic Religions” should be applied to these three faiths. Write a five page report to Secretary Kerry arguing your expert opinion concerning this phrase, supporting your argument by appealing to texts examined in this class and explaining how your conclusions relate to broader similarities and differences between the religions.