Prompt 1 (Week 12: Magic, Belief, and Religion)

Durkheim argued that a distinction between the sacred and the profane was a key characteristic of religion. Thinking about your own culture, what are some examples of ideas or objects that are considered “sacred”? What are the rules concerning how these objects or ideas should be treated? What are the penalties for people who do not follow these rules?

Your reflection should address each question or theme raised in the prompt that you select, as well as draw on relevant course materials, including readings and lecture presentations. While you are still expected to write your reflection in a first-person perspective (i.e., using “I” pronouns), this final assignment is more similar to a traditional academic research essay than the previous reflections.

REQUIREMENTS

• Your reflection should be between 500 and 750 words, not including bibliographic citations or references. Your submission may be either single- or double-spaced and must include a bibliography or works cited.
• You must cite at least three course concepts and reference at least two outside sources and at least one chapter from our textbook. You are strongly encouraged to define course concepts and ideas in your own words, e.g., paraphrasing rather than directly quoting course materials.