lecture recording on 21 November 2024 at 18.49.39 PM

General Overview

• The speaker discusses the grading of music and addresses student concerns regarding their exam grades.

• Students are encouraged to communicate if they are unhappy with their grades; they can use the chat box for messages.

• Feedback from the midterm is reviewed, focusing on preparation for the final exam.

Plagiarism Issues

• Definition of Plagiarism: The act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own.

• The system detects similarities in student papers, which may indicate copying from books or classmates.

• A significant percentage of similarity (e.g., almost 60%) leads to serious plagiarism concerns.

• Students should write in their own words and practice paraphrasing effectively.

  • Example of a poor paraphrase: "I am sitting on the chair." → instead, try to rephrase meaningfully.

• It is emphasized that plagiarism is not merely copying but rather developing writing skills.

Writing Guidelines for Final Paper

• Avoid copying prompt instructions directly in your responses.

• Use your own name and number answers instead of restating question prompts.

• Target word count: around 200 words preferred, allowing flexibility but with a maximum increase.

• Quality of content is emphasized over word count; clarity and inclusion of specific points are essential.

Structure and References

• There are two forms of referencing in academic writing:

  • In-text citation: Mention the author and publication year.

  • Reference list: Provide full citation details at the end of the paper.

• The importance of academic sources vs. social media and general information is discussed.

• Emphasis on proving statements and integrating personal views with academic references is essential for academic writing.

Academic Voice

• Distinction between the author's voice and the writer's voice in the paper.

• The academic paper should reflect personal insights alongside cited evidence from various sources.

• Suggestions to reread papers to clarify whose voice is prevalent and ensure a balanced narrative.

• Use varied sources for richer content; personal anecdotes can enhance academic papers.

Final Exams and Content Review

• The class will focus on Christianity topics and address upcoming lectures on Islam.

• Importance of integrating knowledge from lectures into responses to exam questions.

• Clarification on how to summarize assigned readings effectively by incorporating learning from lectures and readings.

Assignments Breakdown

• Assignment 1: Pages 192 to 194 – Summary of the assigned reading and link to other religious texts.

• Assignment 2: Pages 203 to 205 – Identify key elements and describe these elements.

• Assignment 3: Affirmation on the differences in terminology and perspectives among religions, specific references to the texts.

• Thematic Discussions: Discuss common themes across various religions about existence, morality, and purpose.

Reference to Canonization of Scriptures

• Importance of understanding the process of canonization in Christianity, particularly focused on pages 271 and 272.

• Discussion on how authoritative texts in religion develop over time and are influenced by various factors.

• Academic challenges in identifying authenticity and the role of faith in interpreting scripture mentioned.

Differences in Christianity Denominations

• Discussion of Protestant reformations, focusing on authority, scripture, and the role of mediators.

• Recognition of key differences between Catholic and Protestant views, especially regarding figures such as the Pope and Mary.

• Encouragement to explore broader historical contexts affecting modern-day beliefs and denominations.