Writing Assignments 
 
Assignment #1:  Chose a culture/ethnicity/religion
different
from your own and research their funeral and bereavement customs.  Write a paper outlining your own beliefs (you will need to do some research here as well.  I am sure there are things to learn!), and the beliefs of the culture/ethnicity/religion you researched.  Include a paragraph comparing and contrasting the two points of view and a paragraph regarding your personal reaction (what surprised you?  Do they have customs/rituals you find interesting?).  Conclude by discussing the pros/cons of both sets of customs/rituals and how you feel they benefit (or do not benefit) the population they serve. 
 
Primary Goal: The paper will be written and graded with “the controlling idea” or thesis, organization, topic sentences, and transitions as the main concerns.
 
Specifications:
1. Format
o
  
Length: 4-6 pages
o
  
Word-processed, double-spaced, page numbers, one inch margins
o
  
Title
o
  
Proper documentation (MLA)
3. Use standard English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
4. Use a
minimum
of one primary source and two secondary sources.
5. Organize your essay.
o
  
The essay should contain an introduction, topic sentences, supporting material, and a conclusion.
o
  
Attend to coherence, particularly in transitions between paragraphs.
6. Be specific, refer to references in detail, use examples.
o
  
Address personal experience
o
  
Respond substantially to the assignment
o
  
Have a controlling idea in the paper
o
  
Show logical organization, consistently applied
o
  
Show good paragraphing
o
  
Use the MLA style of documentation
o
  
Do not allow errors to get in the way of expressing your ideas