RS 356: Contemporary Religious Thought, Islam in the Modern World

Amir Hussain

Research Paper, 2000


Maximum length: 3750 words (15 typed double-spaced pages or the neatly handwritten equivalent)

Due: Monday, November 27, in class (penalty for lateness: 5% per day)


The research paper should be on a topic of your own choosing, that I have approved. It allows you to explore an area of interest in greater detail than is given in either the readings or the lectures. What follows is a list of suggested areas that you might work into an essay topic. Once you have an area of interest, or a specific topic, speak to me about it, as I will be able to help with references.

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 "F".

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).

Possible Areas:

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