Pathfinder

= = = __**Pathfinder Assignment:**__ = You will be researching characteristics of Asian religions as an extension of your study of this in Social Studies and to use for expository writing in Language Arts. This study will take place through your use of this wiki and the resources provided, with the help of your teacher and media specialist in training. As you begin your research it may be best to start with a resource that will give you a general overview of your topic since you will be narrowing down your research topic to one religion in Asia. You should find something in particular about that religion that is of interest to you that your paper will eventually focus on. To begin, go into Galileo Teen using the link below. Go to the social studies link and then select Compton's by Britannica. An encyclopedia is a good place to start to get a broad overview of your topic possibilities. Once in Compton's, select the section on [|Religion]. Browse some of the religions of Asia to see which might peak your interest, such as Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shintoism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Having predetermined questions that you're using to look for answers, may help drive your research. Here are some examples of some open ended questions:
 * How did that religion originate and spread? How many practice that religion today?
 * How does that religion explain the beginning of the earth, the purpose for life on earth, how and why we should treat each other a certain way, what happens in the next life?
 * How do the basic tenets of that faith impact the way people live everyday?
 * How has the religion changed over time? Why has it changed? What kind of divisions or sects are there within that religion?
 * How is this religion connected to other religions?
 * How does this religion influence other aspects of the culture of people who practice the religion?
 * __For the purposes of your expository paper, you will need to have at least three, well worded questions that will make up the body of your paper.__**

You may find that the encyclopedia is a great place to start, but doesn't go into as much depth as you need for your area of interest. You may need to try other sources such as the ones below.

Asia Society []

Galileo Teen []

Internet Public Library []

Pathfinder Resources http://springfieldpathfinders.wikispaces.com/

One you've found the information you need to answer your three questions, you are ready to organize your information. Your paper will have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The three body paragraphs will be based on your three questions. The order of these paragraph topics should create logical flow in your paper. A paragraph's location should make sense and will enhance the reader's understanding of your topic.

Citation As you come across sources that you use, it is a good idea to keep a running work cited list that you can keep adding to. Here is a link to help you build a works cited page. []