REL 1101 – Introduction to the Study of Religion

Assignment 1: Interview and Reflection on a Lived Worldview

Assessment Overview

Introductory REL 1101 courses often start with assignments that push students to listen carefully to how real people describe their own religious or non religious lives. Assignment 1 asks you to conduct a short interview with someone about their religion or worldview and then write a focused reflection that connects that conversation to ideas from class. The task introduces basic skills in describing lived religion, comparing personal accounts with scholarly concepts, and reflecting on your own assumptions in a clear and respectful way.

• Course code/title: REL 1101 – Introduction to the Study of Religion

• Assessment label: Assignment 1 – Interview and Reflection on a Lived Worldview

• Type: Individual short essay based on an interview

• Length: 900–1,100 words

• Format: Word document (.docx), double spaced, 12 pt font

• Weighting: 15% of final grade

• Submission: Upload to the LMS (Assignments → Assignment 1)

• Citation style: MLA, APA, or Chicago, as specified in your section syllabus

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how an individual understands and lives out their religion or worldview in everyday life.

• Relate an interview account to core concepts such as belief, practice, experience, and community.

• Reflect on your own assumptions about religion or worldviews and how the interview has affirmed or challenged them.

• Write a well structured short essay that uses appropriate academic tone and references.

Task Instructions

Students will interview one person about their religion or worldview and then write a reflection essay based on that conversation. The person you choose may belong to a religious tradition or identify with a non religious worldview such as atheism, agnosticism, or secular humanism. Avoid interviewing a parent or guardian if possible, so that you can practise listening to someone whose experiences may differ from your own.

Step 1: Plan and Conduct the Interview

1. Select a person who is at least 18 years old and is willing to talk for 20–30 minutes about their religion or worldview.

2. Explain the purpose of the assignment and assure the person that you will use a pseudonym in your essay.

3. Use the following guiding questions during your conversation:

   • What religion or worldview do you identify with?

   • How long have you held these beliefs or this worldview?

   • Why do you belong to this religion or hold this worldview? What difference does it make in your daily life?

   • Which practices, gatherings, or habits feel most important to your religious or non religious life?

   • How did you experience talking about your religion or worldview in this interview?

4. Take brief notes during or immediately after the conversation so that you can remember key points and examples.

Step 2: Write the Reflection Essay (900–1,100 words)

Organise your essay with clear headings. The following structure is recommended.

1. Introduction (approximately 150–200 words)

• Introduce your interview partner using a pseudonym and basic background such as age range, general occupation, and worldview identification.

• State the purpose of your essay in one or two sentences.

2. Summary of the Interview (approximately 300–350 words)

• Describe the person’s worldview journey, including how long they have held their views and any key turning points.

• Explain how their worldview affects daily life, relationships, and decisions.

• Mention at least two practices, communities, or habits they consider important.

3. Connection to Course Concepts (approximately 250–300 words)

• Select at least two concepts such as belief, ritual, experience, ethics, community, or symbol.

• Show how these concepts help interpret what your interview partner shared.

• Use at least two assigned readings and include in text citations.

4. Personal Reflection (approximately 200–250 words)

• Reflect on how the interview confirmed, complicated, or challenged your assumptions.

• Identify moments of surprise or recognition and explain their significance.

• Describe how this experience may shape your approach to studying religion.

Formal Requirements

• Write 900–1,100 words and include the word count.

• Use double spacing, standard margins, and a readable 12 pt font.

• Include at least two course readings from the first weeks of the course.

• Use a pseudonym and avoid identifying details.

• Maintain a respectful academic tone throughout.

Marking Rubric (Assignment 1 – 100 points)

Additional Academic Insight

Interview based assignments in Religious Studies provide an important methodological foundation because they encourage students to engage directly with lived experiences rather than relying only on abstract definitions or secondary descriptions. This approach supports a more nuanced understanding of religion as it is practiced in everyday contexts and highlights the diversity of interpretations that individuals bring to their beliefs and identities (McGuire, 2008).

References

• McGuire, M. B. (2008). Lived religion: Faith and practice in everyday life. Oxford University Press.

• Livingston, J. C. (2018). Anatomy of the sacred: An introduction to religion (7th ed.). Routledge.

• Bowdoin College. (n.d.). REL 1101: Introduction to the Study of Religion.

• Chandler Gilbert Community College. (n.d.). Religious Studies course descriptions.

• Ammerman, N. T. (2014). Sacred stories, spiritual tribes: Finding religion in everyday life. Oxford University Press.

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