AIS 310 - American Indian Religion & Philosophy

Term Paper 2 Suggested questions to answer – not required questions to answer. There are also only suggested number of pages. The course is teaching American Indian religion and philosophy – so demonstrate that you’ve done the work to have an intelligent and academic perspective. In other words, what have you learned?

AIS 310 American Indian Religion & Philosophy

Ceremony

Critique and Analyze the material, then Support your position. - Introduction (1 page)

• In general, what are the purposes for American Indian ceremonies? What might they all have in common?

• Are any American Indian ceremonies similar to what exists in other cultures?

- Function (1-2 pages)

• Choose one specific ceremony covered in this course. What is the primary function of this ceremony? What is involved?

• Using the same ceremony from above, what are the observable and unobservable functions of the ceremony? (How might the ceremony/activity(ies) provide a function in the family or the community?)

- Application (1-2 pages)

• Choose one or more ceremonies. Give examples of how the ceremony is significant or relevant in todays’ times? Reflect on todays challenges or challenges for their community environment.

• Describe or interpret how the origin stories (the four in iLearn) might give us information about the people and their environment.

- Scope (2-3 pages)

• Describe how people are involved in their ceremony (either as an individual, or as a group; you can describe a specific ceremony, the preparation of the ceremony, or how it is conducted).

• What do you consider to be the purpose or expected outcome of their ceremonies? You can choose a general theme or a case-by-case study.

- Conclusion (1 page)

• What do you now understand about American Indian religion and philosophy?

• Compare your knowledge of American Indian religion and philosophy to another major religious practice and/or philosophy.

NOTE: Use terms from the, Definitions for key terms (1 and 2), found in iLearn.