New Religious Movement

This submission link is for your initial rough draft of your Capstone Essay. In terms of expectations, your initial Rough Draft needs only to be 500 words, at minimum, to be eligible for full credit.

In addition to the word count, I will also be looking for an essay that demonstrates research, including at least two reputable sources with citations throughout.
With respect to content, I do not expect you to attend to all seven of the thematic questions in your Syllabus (pg. 12). We have dealt with three of the questions at this point in the course, however, so our Rough Draft should show evidence of applying at least two of these to the New Religious Movement that you have selected.
Finally, please see the attached rubric for how I will score your essay. You can expect to receive audio feedback from me upon grading of your Rough Draft.
Rubric
500 Word Rubric
500 Word Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWord Count
This tier measures word count. The best essay will have over 500 words.
15.0 pts
Exemplary
The document is 500+ words
9.0 pts
Acceptable
The document is 400-499 World
6.0 pts
Minimally Acceptable
The document is between 250-399 words.
3.0 pts
Emerging
The document is between 100-249 words
0.0 pts
No Marks
The document is only between 0-100 words.
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure and Organization
This tier measures organization and structure. The best rough drafts will be those that organized around the seven themes found in the Syllabus (pg. 12). To be certain, the submission need not deal with all–or even most–of those themes to receive full credit for this tier, as this is only a rough draft. Two of those themes will be sufficient. It should be clear, however, that those themes are informing the shape, direction, and organization of the essay. In addition, the best essays will also use subheadings, making clear where one idea ends another begins.
12.5 to >10.5 pts
Full Marks
10.5 to >5.0 pts
Acceptable
5.0 to >2.5 pts
Minimally Acceptable
2.5 to >0.0 pts
Emerging
0.0 pts
No Marks
12.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch
This tier measures research. The best rough drafts will include at least two reputable sources that they have found thus far in their research. (The final Capstone essay requires six sources.) What is more, they will cite those sources frequently in each paragraph.
7.5 to >6.5 pts
Exemplary
6.5 to >3.0 pts
Acceptable
3.0 to >1.5 pts
Minimally Acceptable
1.5 to >0.0 pts
Emerging
0.0 pts
No Marks
7.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDetail and Description
This tier measures the degree of detail that is present in the rough draft. To be sure, the best essays will be those are able to avoid generalization because they demonstrate a significant degree of research.
15.0 to >13.0 pts
Full Marks
13.0 to >6.0 pts
Acceptable
6.0 to >3.0 pts
Minimally Acceptable
3.0 to >0.0 pts
Emerging
0.0 pts
No Marks
15.0 pts
Total Points: 50.0
Seven QuestionsQuestions to Consider
What defines this NRM as a Religion?
For this question, you need to apply Robert Audi’s model to this religion. Does it meet most or all of his qualifications of a religion?
How does the religion function?
For this question, you will need to analyze the religion through lenses of Freud, Durkheim, and Marx. How are each of their theoretical perspectives beneficial for explaining how the religion functions?
How did the religion begin?
For this question, you will need research how the founders of the religion explained why they started the religion. In short, you will need to examine how the role that myth-making played in rationalizing the need for this religion.
What are the Sources of Authority within the Religion?
For this question, you will need to research the sources of authority that lend justification for the religion. Are there written sources of authority within the community? If so, are those written sources open or closed canons? Are there prophetic voices within the religion that also serve as authoritative perspectives? If so, how do prophetic voices gain authority within the community?
How is the religion performed?
For this question, you will first need to identify the most important rite or passage or ritual performed by the community. From there, you need to consider the following questions: How is that ritual performed? How does performance of the ritual establish a boundary between insiders and outsiders?
How is the religion practiced?
For this question, you will need to first identify the most important ethical codes within the community. From there, you need to consider the following questions: Why are these moral codes so important for this religion? How does the performance of these ethical practices establish that the believer is apart of the community,no longer an outsider? Does the religion promote engagement with society or Nature?
How is the religion experienced?
For this question, you will need to consider how members of the religion interact with the sacred. Is the path towards the sacred in the religion through ascetical or libertine paths? Is there evidence of mysticism within the religion where believers claim to be able to