Due: Tuesday, November 18, in class (penalty for lateness: 5% per day)
The paper will be graded largely on its content, but 20% of the total grade will depend on the form. Please consult the grading standards outline before you begin to write your paper. In evaluating the form of the paper, I will take into account such things as spelling, punctuation, grammar, word precision, style, and adequate referencing (notes and bibliography). In evaluating the content of the paper, I will take into account such things as precision of topic, organization and clarity of presentation, extent and use of sources, depth and breadth of analysis, and accuracy of analysis. Your grade will not depend on whether or not I agree with your hypothesis, but on how well you argue and support your hypothesis.
Be aware that this is a research paper, and so you will need to document the claims that you make. I am interested in your opinions, but you must support your opinions with references to the scholarly literature. You are welcome to use the Internet, but make sure to reference all sites (with the complete URL) that you use. Any paper that is plagiarised will, at minimum, receive a grade of zero.
You may wish to consult this web guide to writing papers in the study of religion.
For help in writing your paper, please consult the Writing Center at CSUN (phone 677-2033).
Suggested Topics:
Muhammad
The Qur’an
Islamic Theology\Philosophy
Sufism
Modern Islam