This writing assignment is designed to synthesize the information from Modules 1-5. You will be expected to answer TWO (2) out of THREE (3) questions provided. Please compose a separate essay for each...

This writing assignment is designed to synthesize the information from Modules 1-5. You will be expected to answer TWO (2) out of THREE (3) questions provided.Please compose a separate essay for each question.Each question is worth a maximum point total of 22.5 pts.

Please note the following:

• Before beginning the assignment, you may find it helpful to have looked over the assignment grading rubric which can be found by clicking the gear icon.


• Answer TWO (2) out of the THREE questions below. Write a separate essay for each prompt. Write in proper essay form, have an introductory paragraph, thesis statement, paragraphs, and conclusion.


• Be as specific as possible in your responses and refer to content we learned in class--outside research is NOT required. Direct quotations from the text and audio/visual materials and MLA citations ARE required.


• I suggest composing your essays in Word or other such program first and then copying and pasting them into the text submission box.

1. Module 1 introduces religionist versus reductionist approaches to the study of religion. Select one of the scholars from the following list: Peter Berger, Tony Blair, or Atalia Omer. Identify whom you have selected, summarize his/her work within the religion field. Do you think that particular scholar is a religionist or reductionist and explain why. What major forerunners within the field of religion (i.e. Tillich, Otto, Durkheim, Freud, Eliade, Smart, Geertz) would you imagine your scholar would like and why? As always, make references to class materials throughout your essay.


2. Choose Jason A. Spring, Philip Gorski, or Joshua Charles. Does the current state of American civil religion, as described by the thinker you have selected, support or challenge the traditional secularization narrative discussed in Module 2? If so, how, and if not, why not? Be sure that your response accurately describes both American civil religion and the secularization narrative through answering the question. And as always, make references to class materials throughout your essay.


3. In his article, "Science," Robert M. Geraci outlines the historical relationship between religion and modern science. Does Geraci believe religion and modern science are in conflict with one another? Why or why not? How does Geraci's view either support or challenge the modernity narrative discussed in Module 2? As always, make references to class materials throughout your essay.