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Critical Thinking Paper Instructions

In preparation for the Critical Thinking Paper and by completing your textbook readings you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose a Critical Thinking Paper; applying critical thinking strategies; identifying informal logical fallacies commonly used in argumentation; defining the term worldview; identifying components of a biblical/Christian worldview; and employing strategies to communicate the Christian gospel to a person from a non-Christian worldview (Syllabus MLOs: A, B, E and Module/Week 6 LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Before you begin writing your paper, you should first consider which formatting style you will be using. In this course, you are allowed to choose the one that you are more familiar with, or the one that will ultimately be the style most often used within your major.

This is a research paper, not a Discussion Board Forum, so it is required that your paper will be formatted and cited using one of the following styles: current APA, MLA, or Turabian.

Requirements:

1.      Cover page – This is the first page to be included in your paper (based on the formatting style that you will be using, see the sample papers in Blackboard).

a.       APA: For this course, a Summary or Abstract is not required.

b.      MLA: This format does not require a title page, but does have a specific format for student information.

2.      Content pages – These pages will contain your content and fulfill the requirements as listed below.

a.       Be sure to complete the minimum word count (500–1,000 words).

                                                              i.      Do NOT include the question as part of your word count Use only your answers.

                                                            ii.      Direct quotations must be short and limited.

                                                          iii.      Include your word count at the bottom of the paper.

                                                          iv.      NOTE: Submissions totaling fewer than 250 words will not receive credit.

b.      Quotations and material used from other sources must be cited using current APA, MLA or Turabian. You must include in-text citations and a Bibliography/Reference or Works Cited page.

c.       Check your work for spelling and grammatical errors.

d.      Be sure to do your own work, do not plagiarize.

3.      Bibliography/References/Works Cited page

a.       In addition to the in-text citations, a Bibliography/Reference or Works Cited page must be included.

b.      A minimum of 3 different sources is required.

                                                              i.      Use academic sources for your paper. (For example, do not include blogs, social media, opinion pages, or Wikipedia.)

                                                            ii.      At least 2 of the sources must be outside of the materials used in this course (this would include the Bible, any required reading or videos, and the required textbooks).

c.       Use correct APA, MLA, or Turabian style.

Content:

Instructions:

o   Fulfill all of the requirements as listed above.

o   Select 1 of the following worldviews (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam) that have been considered in the course content.

o   Identify the worldview that you have selected on your Title page (APA, MLA, or Turabian).

o   Using course content and additional sources outside of the course, complete the following:

Note: This is a “Critical Thinking” assignment so you must go beyond just giving factual content, and demonstrate your comprehension of the material. To accomplish this, the assignment will be asking you to “compare and contrast” your selected worldview (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam) with the biblical worldview.

·         Compare: To speak of or represent as similar; to liken.

·         Contrast: To set in opposition … in order to show strikingly their different qualities or characteristics, and compare their superiorities or defects.

In your paper, you must follow the outline and answer the questions below.

How would the worldview that you selected answer these 5 worldview questions:

1.      The Question of Origin – (How did life begin? How did mankind come into existence?)

                                                              i.      How would your selected worldview answer this question?

                                                            ii.      Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

2.      The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than animals?)

                                                              i.      How would your selected worldview answer this question?

                                                            ii.      Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

3.      The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (Why does mankind exist? Why do I exist?)

                                                              i.      How would your selected worldview answer this question?

                                                            ii.      Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

4.      The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How should I live?)

                                                              i.      How would your selected worldview answer this question?

                                                            ii.      Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

5.      The Question of Destiny – (Is there life after death? What will happen to me when I die?)

                                                              i.      How would your selected worldview answer this question?

                                                            ii.      Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

*An overview of these specific worldview questions can be found in chapter 4 of Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World.

Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 6.

Critical Thinking Paper Grading Rubric

Criteria

Points Possible

Points Earned

Structure

0 to 20 points

• All key components of the assignment are answered.
• The requirements and instructions are followed.

Content

0 to 100 points

• Major points are stated clearly and accurately.
• Word count requirements are satisfied (500–1,000 words).

(Assignments with fewer than 250 words will not receive credit.)

• Work is free of plagiarism.
• Major points are supported by the following: Reading/lecture material, Scripture, and/or outside research; and thoughtful analysis (considering assumptions, analyzing implications, comparing/contrasting concepts).

Spelling and Grammar

0 to 20 points

• Spelling and grammar are correct.
• Word choice is precise and appropriate.
• Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.