Assingments % - religion function relative to the life-cycle process of individual maturation

Instructions
A 2,000-word (minimum 7 research paper) is required on a relevant subject to which the instructor has agreed.
The 7 page minimum does not include title or reference pages. This paper must be written according to the latest edition of the APA writing style rules and comply with its formatting and referencing guidelines.
Grading rubric is attached.
Write a research paper (8-10 pages) on one of the 12 topics below: You may chose any one.
1. How does religion function relative to the life-cycle process of individual maturation?
2. How does it aid persons to pass from one stage of life to another?
3. How does religion function relative to death-related behavior and meanings?
4. What is the relationship between religion and war?
5. How does religion function in times of adversity and suffering?
6. How is peacemaking in the times of war religiously underpinned?
7. How does one contemporary artistic expression (visual art, music, film, etc) influence religion and vice versa?
8. How does contemporary capitalism reflect and/or contradict the concept of religious ethics?
9. How might have American icons such as Disney, Elvis or Oprah influenced American religion?
10. How does religion answer basic questions of existence within different cultures?
11. The influence of religion in behaviors related to death and their meaning?
12. The role of religion in establishing peace in times of war.
Please note: This is a very important assignment in the larger scheme of your course grade as it comprises 30% of your total grade!!!

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Paper

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Your research paper must be at least 2,000 words (7 pages minimum, excluding title and reference pages).
You must use the latest edition of APA style for formatting and referencing.
Your topic must be chosen from the 12 provided topics and approved by your instructor.
This paper accounts for 30% of your final grade, so thorough research and structured writing are essential.
Refer to the attached grading rubric to understand evaluation criteria.

Step 2: Choose a Topic & Conduct Research

Pick a topic from the list that interests you and aligns with your research capabilities.
Use credible academic sources (peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and authoritative websites).
Keep track of sources for citations and references in APA format.

Step 3: Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis should clearly state your argument or perspective on the chosen topic.
Example: “Religion provides essential support in times of adversity by fostering community solidarity and offering existential meaning.”

Step 4: Outline Your Paper

A strong outline helps maintain clarity and logical flow. Structure your paper as follows:

Title Page (APA Format)
Abstract (150-250 words summarizing your research, findings, and conclusion)
Introduction (1 page)
- Introduce your topic and its significance.
- Present your thesis statement.
- Provide an overview of the paper structure.
Literature Review (2-3 pages)
- Summarize key academic studies and debates on the topic.
- Identify gaps in existing research.
Main Body (4-5 pages)
- Organize into 3-4 sections, each addressing a specific aspect of your argument.
- Use subheadings for clarity.
- Support arguments with credible sources and cite them in APA format.
Conclusion (1 page)
- Restate your thesis.
- Summarize key findings.
- Discuss broader implications and potential areas for further research.
References Page (APA Format)
- List all sources in alphabetical order.

Step 5: Write the First Draft

Follow your outline to ensure logical flow and coherence.
Use clear and formal academic language.
Ensure each paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and analysis.
Integrate in-text citations (Author, Year) as per APA guidelines.

Step 6: Edit and Revise

Check for clarity, coherence, and logical progression of ideas.
Ensure proper APA formatting (citations, references, margins, headings, etc.).
Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Verify all sources are properly cited to avoid plagiarism.

Step 7: Finalize and Submit

Read through the grading rubric to ensure all criteria are met.
Format your paper correctly in APA style (double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12pt Times New Roman font).
Submit before the deadline to avoid penalties.

Final Tips for Success

Start early to allow enough time for research and revisions.
Use a plagiarism checker to ensure originality.
Seek feedback from your instructor or peers before submission.
Stay organized by using citation management tools like Zotero or EndNote.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to confidently structure and write your research paper effectively! Good luck!