For instance – is Tillich’s conception of “ultimate concern” applicable to the ritual trials or revelations experienced by Lame Deer?

The function of the written essays is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they both thoroughly understand the primary concepts being discussed by each respective author and that students are able to utilize these concepts with a high degree of competency. In most instances, the syllabus will direct the student to compare the systematic approaches of two specific authors we have covered (for instance; Tillich and Eliade, etc.) with the aim of focusing on one or two particular aspects of each authors’ work. In the event that the syllabus does not list a second author, students are free to compare the named author to any other material covered in the course. No additional outside research beyond the primary sources themselves. Given that students have a limited amount of space to work in, it is not an expectation (nor would it be possible) for these relatively brief essays to be totally comprehensive of any one author. Instead, it is advised that students pick one or two key aspects of an assigned author’s work and find points of overlap or distinct tension with the work of another thinker from the course. For instance – is Tillich’s conception of “ultimate concern” applicable to the ritual trials or revelations experienced by Lame Deer? (Or to Eliade’s conception of the “sacred,” etc.) Single space. These essays demand that the student thoroughly investigate these points of connection (or conflict) and should describe, in your own words, what you make of the relationship between the ideas. Those essays are open-ended in the sense that you are free to draw from any of the authors we have covered.