Discuss what constitutes a bad death in contrast to a good death from a religious perspective?
Guidelines for the Final Term Paper The final term paper aims to synthesize your knowledge of death and dying acquired over the course of the semester by utilizing key concepts from the course in comparing two different religious traditions of your choosing. I. How to Begin Decide which two religious traditions you want to compare. Your paper will be graded according to how well you can four things: 1. Demonstrate familiarity with how each tradition understands the a. origin, meaning, and purpose of life and b. what the ultimate concern is in relation to death. Sources: encyclopedias of religion and on death and dying (see attached). 2. Utilize one of the following core course concepts to structure your comparison: a. three faces of death: physical, psychological, and spiritual death/rebirth b. good death versus bad death c. dying as a transformative process of healing and growth d. religious perspectives on palliative, hospice care, and advanced directives e. hope f. technologies of the self/care of the soul 3. Pose a question. Come up with your own or use one of these: a. How do religions understand “hope” in relation to the three faces of death*? b. What can religions teach us about “dying well”? c. How does religion conceptualize dying as a potentially transformative experience? d. What role can religions play in healing and growth even as the body is dying? e. What laws, obligations, observances, or concerns should culturally competent caregivers be aware of when asking religiously observant patients to complete an advanced directive or to consider palliative care or hospice services? f. Is there an analog to the Ars Moriendi tradition in other religions? g. What resources do religions offer for helping the bereaved to navigate their way through the grieving process? h. What constitutes a bad death in contrast to a good death from a religious perspective? 4. Answer your question by drawing on any of the following: a. the relevant assigned course readings and lectures; b. reference works concerned with the study of religion; c. reference works on death and dying; or d. a peer-reviewed journal article, (see “Approved Final Paper Resources” below). II. Parameters Type your paper, double-spaced, with standard fonts (10- or 12-point font) and margins and include a well-conceived title. Aim for a composition length of 5-6 pages 2 (≈1300-1500 words). Begin pagination on first page of composition NOT on the title page. Papers will be graded on structure, content, and mechanics. You are expected to provide a formal introduction and a clear thesis statement from which to form a coherent argument or present your analysis and observations as well as a proper conclusion. Attention to mechanics (grammar, syntax, structure, pagination) is critical. You will be expected to use gender inclusive language when speaking about human beings in general. You must be especially careful to document any and all sources consulted through proper notation according to standard academic procedures (short form footnotes are fine) with a bibliography in proper form listing all works cited attached at the end of the paper. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) or Turabian Style is the preferred method of document formatting and citation. See: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/turabian/turabian-author-date-citation-quick-guide.html
