Instructions: Answer the question from each section, in essay format. Be sure to respond to all parts of each question and draw upon
examples from course readings, lectures, and films when relevant. Each answer must be at least 750 words long (about 2 ½ double-spaced
pages) and must be organized into paragraphs with clear topic sentences. All together, aim for 5-6 pages of writing, but don’t worry if
you go over the suggested length.
Part I:
A. Choose any THREE of the following individuals—Mother Ann Lee, John Humphrey Noyes, Joseph Smith, and William Miller—and imagine that
they are engaged in a conversation about the state of 19th-century American society. Try to focus on one or two key themes (examples
include but are not limited to: gender relations, family, the nature of work, understandings of salvation). Write an imaginary dialogue
between these three people. You can structure the dialogue any way you want. Perhaps two get caught up in a debate, while the other tries
to keep the peace. Or perhaps all three offer their insights on a single topic, or perhaps their differing assumptions cause them to “talk
past” one another to a large degree. Be sure to demonstrate a thorough grasp of all relevant course readings, lectures, and films as you
structure the dialogue.
Part II:.
A. Religion and ethnic identity are often closely intertwined. Compare the relationship between religion and ethnic identity in TWO of the
following case studies: Feher, “Managing Strain, Contradictions, and Fluidity,” Kurien, “Becoming American by Becoming Hindu,” and Lee,
“Creating a Transnational Religious Community.” What are some of the challenges faced by people in each of these cases? Compare the
religious practices that members of each group draw upon as they negotiate their ethnic identity.
GRADES will be based on
-level of engagement with class material (15 points)
-depth and originality of argument (10 points)
-writing quality (clarity, spelling, grammar) (5 points)
A note on citations and avoiding plagiarism
All direct quotations must be placed in quotation marks with the page number listed in parentheses, along with the author’s name, unless
you mention the author’s name in the same sentence. You do not need a bibliography unless you cite sources from outside of class. Do not
start a sentence with a quotation. Here is an example of proper citation:
As Ines Talamantez notes, “cultural continuity today is also reflected in the way that myths are told” (145).
While a few well-chosen quotations can strengthen your answers, avoid excessive dependence on quotations. Keep in mind that any phrase
longer than four words that is directly taken from another work must be in quotation marks, or it will be considered plagiarism.