Siddhartha Paper Guidelines-Fall 2021 Exploring Religious Meaning (PHIL 02) Guid

Siddhartha Paper Guidelines-Fall 2021
Exploring Religious Meaning (PHIL 02)
Guidelines for Short Paper (Siddhartha)
Siddhartha is a fictional character, but there are similarities between the Buddha’s and Siddhartha’s journeys to nirvana (enlightenment). Both characters are dissatisfied with their current situations, and decide to leave their homes in search of truth. There are also some references are found to Hindu concepts (such as atman, karma, etc.).
In this short paper, you will use Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha to reflect on Buddhist teachings. Here are some suggestions for your topic. We will discuss these in class in Wednesday’s zoom session.
Here are some topics. You can take some ideas from the following questions or come up with your own topic (you don’t answer all of these questions):
Why does Siddhartha show eagerness for  spiritual enlightenment? What does his spiritual journey teach him: any three lessons?  What does he learn from river, Vasudeva and Kamala? (Think about the Buddha’s three marks of reality: Dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence), anatta (no permanent individual self, meaning one has to to let go the ego self)
Describe his thoughts after he returns to the river after Kamala’s death? How does he describe the state of enlightenment?
In your conclusion, include your personal reflection on the book. For example, describe how you related to Siddhartha’s decisions.
Follow these guidelines:
The paper must have a specific title (not “Siddhartha Paper”).
The paper must have a clear thesis. (Clearly state it in your first paragraph and underline it).
A thesis statement describes your main points of the paper. [For example: This paper will discuss…]. Make sure you provide reasons for your thesis.
The paper must have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Quotes from Siddhartha: Include at least three direct quotes (1-3 lines). Make sure you write the page numbers.
Essay should be about 2 pages (600-700 words) in length and must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman and double-spaced.
For citing text follow the following format: Hesse, Hermann, Siddhartha, p.#.
Be sure to check your grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
Each paper should have a header with your name, course number and section, professor’s name and the assignment number and will be submitted online via Turnitin plagiarism detection system.
Format Guidelines
Each paper should have a header with your name, course number and section, professor’s name and the assignment number. For example:
Name: Obi-Wan Kenobi
PHIL 2
Dr. Howard
CRP-Siddhartha
10/24/21
Short Paper Grading Rubric
Clear Thesis Statement: 10 points
Content: 55 points (has to have an introduction and conclusion)
Title: 5 points (not just Siddhartha, but a specific title, such as Siddhartha’s Journey and Challenges)
Formatting: 5 points
Textual references: 15 points
Grammar and structure: 10 point