For your research essay you must select a topic that is relevant to the course m

For your research essay you must select a topic that is relevant to the course material – that is, something that falls within the broad spectrum of Modern Hinduism. I have intentionally allowed for flexibility here, as it is my hope that you will be able to select a topic that truly interests you! The research essay assignment asks that you select a topic that interests you (likely something that we have explored or will be exploring in some manner within the course) and explore it in more detail. However, if you wish to research a topic outside of the course material, please email me as soon as possible to see if your topic idea is suitable and that it fits within the realm of Modern Hinduism. This assignment gives you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your research skills. If you are having trouble coming up with a topic or developing your thesis, please contact me – I am here to help!
This essay works in tandem with your essay proposal (submitted on October 10th). There you were to present your essay topic of choice in a shortened form, an early stage of you research question/thesis, and a working bibliography that included at least 1 of the assigned course readings (unless otherwise discussed with me) and 3 other scholarly sources. The research assignment then asks you to develop your thesis fully and/or attempt to answer your research question by engaging with the resources that you outlined in your proposal. As the bibliography presented in the propel was a working bibliography, changes are indeed permitted. If, throughout the course of your research, you find resources that are better suited to your topic please feel free to add them to your bibliography or switch one resource for another as you se fit.
Your research essay must be between 5,000 – 6,000 words (10- 12 pages single spaced, 12 pt font). It must include a bibliography and citations using the Chicago Style of citation (https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html). You must draw from at least 1 course reading as well as at least 3 other scholarly sources. If you are unsure if your source is scholarly, please come to me for assistance.
All of your written assignments will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content and development – the strength of your thesis statement/research question and how effectively you utilize course/research materials to develop your argument/answer your research question.
Academic writing style and focus – You should aim to maintain an unbiased tone in your writing. Further, you should present your discussion in a clear, concise manner and avoid introducing material that is irrelevant to your topic. This is an important skill to develop that contributes greatly to a well-defined and focused piece.
Organization, structure and format – present your discussion in a manner that has a logical flow. For example, if in your introduction, you state that you will be discussing A, B and C, then you should discuss these items in the order that you have initially stated them. In addition, you should use properly formatted citations when required to do so.
Mechanical Correctness – proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
The aim of this research is to showcase just how much Kali plays a vital part in people’s lives in Hinduism today. This paper will demonstrate how she went from being scary to assisting individuals in overcoming adversity, and how she assists people in confronting and dealing with unforeseen events. Although Kali was once seen as a frightening goddess, she is now viewed as a mother figure to her worshippers. Why is Goddess Kali’s depiction so scary? Do people get less scared of her image as they shed their egos? Why is Kali viewed as an important feminist figure? “How has Kali’s appearance shifted over time from being a symbol of evil to a symbol of motherly love?