Collaborative Project Guidelines

This Collaborative Project is to be a 750-1000 word essay on the topic selected by each group.  The essay is to be
one in which everyone in the group contributes fully. Remember the rule of group excommunication is in effect by which
the group can, with professorial approval, excommunicate a group member for not contributing her or his fair share of
the work and for not participating the the collaborative process fully.  The result will be a "0" for the project for the
excommunicant.

1. Each group is to collaborate on selecting a topic for which to research and write an essay that will be submitted to the
    class discussion list on Nov. 4th or 5th.

    Please cite the sources used in researching and writing the essay, including the web sources (include URL).  Each
    essay and presentation are to benefit the group, but also the class as a whole that can learn from the work of each group.

2. Each group's topic needs final approval by  the "God Squad" by Oct. 15th to avoid duplications and to be sure all
    topics are within the course's boundaries.

3. During class periods on Nov. 9th and 11th (and Nov. 16th if needed), each group is to make an amazingly excellent
    and creative presentation to the class of its topic.  The presentation is not to be just a rehash of the essay, but is to
    be a continuation of what the essay introduces and discusses, perhaps focusing upon certain key elements.
    Each presentation should a minimum of 15 minutes long and not more than 20 minutes.

    For example, a group could make a video and show it to the class as its presentation, or stage a scene, or role-play,
    or ....?  As long as the presentation is of substance and manifests critical reflection, we want you to have fun preparing
    and doing the presentation.

4. RELATION BETWEEN THE ESSAY AND THE PRESENTATION
     The essay is to be an introductory look at the group's topic, explaining the essentials to the class as it reads each
     posted essay.  In other words, the essay is to serve as an introduction to the presentation and the presentation is
     to serve as a conclusion to the essay. They are to be two separate, but connected aspects of one project.

5. Topics: All group topics need to be related to the story or history of the ideas of "God" in western culture and
    consciousness, including those ideas as they exist today.

6. To not contribute to group work and not participating in the whole process of the group's work (not just at the last moment)
    is unfair, mediocre and shows lack of integrity.  Thus, each group may report to the mentors the names of any member(s)
    who do not participate.  A group meeting with the mentors to bring everything in the open may be in order.  The major thing
    that can make group work a lousy experience is where one or more members of the group seek to take a free ride on the
    backs of those really doing the work.  Such a weak attitude has no place in our study. This group work is to be enjoyable
    as well as valuable and that requires the full participation of ALL members of the group. Anyone not willing to do that is
    sincerely advised to leave this course behind.

7. Groups: Each group needs to give itself a good name. Time will be given in several classes for groups to meet.
 
8. DATES:
                Oct. 15:      Deadline for topic approval
                Nov. 4-5:     Posting of group essay to the class discussion list
                Nov. 9, 11:  Presentations
                     (16?)

Time will be given on Tuesday, Oct. 5th, during the final part of the class session, for groups to get together for the first
time and begin planning for the project. Select topics that are exciting and that everyone in the group is willing to do.
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