Term paper

The Term Paper is divided into two parts:

1. Proposal
2. Term Paper

You need to propose a specific topic from among the following broad categories:

1. Key Figure
2. Poetry
3. Literature
4. Art
5. Philosophy
6. Practice / Ritual

Example 1:

You like to choose “poetry” and pick two poems by Rumi, in which you discuss its details, symbolism, how it relates to different Sufi concepts, and how it compares with some other poems by the same or other poets.

Example 2:

You like to choose “philosophy” and pick a specific topic on the “unity of being” (waḥdat al-wujūd). You will discuss about it in details, how it relates to other Sufi concepts, and how does it compare with other philosophical notions in Sufism.

Example 3:

You like to choose “literature” and want to pick a specific topic on what are some Sufi interpretations of the first chapter of the Qur’an, al-Fātiḥah.

1. Proposal:

You need to propose what you plan to research for your term paper

The proposal needs to outline the nature of your intended research plan

It must constitute the following:

1)      A clear working title for your essay

• What will you call your project?
• What key words would describe your proposal?

2)      A clear statement about what you want to work on and why it is important, interesting, relevant and realistic

• What are your main objectives? These could be articulated as hypotheses, propositions, research questions, or problems to solve
• What difference do you think your research will make?
• Why does this research excite you?
• Is your research achievable in the time allocated?

3)      Some background knowledge and context of the area in which you wish to work

• Introduce your topic and give a brief background about it

4)      A list of the key references which support your research proposal

• References should be listed. Such references should be used throughout your proposal to demonstrate that you have understand the work
• Other relevant material that you are aware of, but not actually used in writing your proposal, can also be added as a bibliography

You are expected to research your own references for the materials, but all references must be academic! Please refer to the “Suggestion for Writers” document.

Your proposal needs to be between 900 – 1100 words.

Double-spaced using normal font size of 12-pts. Submission MUST be in MS Word.

2. Term Paper

DEADLINE: 4 November 2021

The paper should be your intellectual engagement with the topic in question and NOT a simple summary. Therefore, you MUST research the topic carefully academically without bias and without judgement. You MUST write thoughtfully and critically.

You are expected to research your own references for the materials, but all references must be academic! Please refer to the “Suggestion for Writers” document.

Please refer to the “Rubric” at the end of this document and follow it carefully for your term paper. You will be graded accordingly.

Your term paper needs to be between 2700 – 3300 words.

Double-spaced using normal font size of 12-pts. Submission MUST be in MS Word.