Introduction to the Study of Religion

Religion Is...

A Concept Map

What is a Concept Map?

A concept map provides a visual diagram of a complex system of interrelated ideas. You start with the main idea (in our case, the idea is the concept of RELIGION). Then you brainstorm sub-concepts of ever smaller levels and connect these ideas with lines to show how they are all interrelated. Here's a simple example:

Concept mapping is a great tool to use as you read a text book and try to make sense out of all the new information you are learning, connecting ideas and building more complexity to the main idea as you go along.

It is also a good way to synthesize all that you have learned, grouping related ideas and putting the pieces together. This is what you are being tasked with doing toward the end of your study in this course. But you might want to begin the process early and gradually build (add to) your concept map as you learn. You can continually adjust and readjust it as you go on with your learning.

Here are some simple step-by-step instructions for creating a concept map

Here is another set of directions you might find helpful

Your Task:

Your concept map for this class will start with the main idea: "RELIGION" or "Religion Is..." or the question: "What Is Religion?" (this is the text that you should put in the central or top bubble of your concept map).

• Then use your revised definition of religion (from earlier in the course) as the major topics for your map. Break your definition into parts and proceed to expand upon each part as you add more to your concept map to help flesh out your definition. For example:

"Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and values, related to a transcendent reality, constituting a way of life that provides meaning and a sense of ultimate purpose to our lives."

A concept map for this definition would include major topics: "beliefs" "practices" "values" "transcendent reality" "way of life"

• Consider what you have learned about the various "dimensions of religion" and apply these as they may relate to the parts of your definition. You may want to add additional topics or sub-topics based on the main topics discussed in the various chapters of your text or from other course materials (videos, lectures). 

• From there, branch out even further within each major sub-topic (indicating several minor sub-sub-topics for each major sub-topic) creating smaller and smaller bubbles, each connected to the others in some way, that all relate back to the main idea of what religion is.

• Finally you should include some specific examples from various religions for the minor sub-topics. for example:

The "mythic/narrative dimension" of religion (a major sub-topic) might include reference to the sacred texts (a minor sub-sub topic) of religions. Examples of this would be the Bible or the Qur'an. Then there would be other minor sub-sub-topics such as the different types of stories (be they found in written or just oral form). But sacred texts (the books themselves, rather than reference to the content) might also be a minor sub-topic under the "material dimension" of religion. So you'd need a line to "cross-link" the same minor topic between the two major topics.

• Don't forget to show connecting lines to demonstrate the multiple ways that these various ideas all combine as a part of the main idea of what RELIGION is. The lines may have a few connecting phrases as needed (e.g. "...related to a...") but avoid use of complete sentences in any one bubble or line. (a concept map is an image of an idea - a visual tool)

• And use color and images to enhance the visual appeal of your map. Color can also help to distinguish the various major topics or levels within your map.

In the end, you will write a brief paragraph (250 words) explaining your concept map: the rationale and structure of your map (why you did it the way you did). OR
You may be asked to present your map to the class, reflect on the other maps and how you might improve your own (or another's) map.

To create your concept map: 

• You can draw your concept map by hand (using poster board and markers)
  

• Combine a hand drawn map with images cut from magazines or other print resources

• Use drawing tools on your computer (e.g. PowerPoint - just a single slide, please) 

• Or online tools. If you use one of these tools, you should be able to download an image (.jpg) of your map. Then you can import it into PowerPoint and add images to make it more visually stimulating. (if you can't download the image, then you can do a "screen capture" and edit that to show just the image).

• Here is one tool you can use to create your concept map (you might find other tools). And a video tutorial for using this tool:
  

• Another tool (text2mindmap.com) and a how-to video:
  

• If you are familiar with Prezi, you might want to use that for your concept mapping.

You can get very creative and artistic with your concept map:

Have fun!

Presenting/submitting your concept map:

• Provide a printed copy of your work (or hand done poster)

• Provide a URL link to an online concept map you have created (if it has been saved online rather than printed out)

• You may be asked to (or choose to) orally present your concept map to the class

(If you are in an online course, follow the directions for submission that you will find in the course site)

Grading:

• Accuracy and Thoroughness in understanding the concept (and sub-concepts) of religion based on content learned throughout the course, displaying a suitable number of ideas/concepts (at least three levels down)

• Organization: clear focus and logical connections, including cross linking lines.

• Creativity and originality, including visual appeal, clarity and neatness

• The 250 word summary/reflection on the concept map(s)

What a past student had to say about this assignment:

The Religion Concept Map was an interesting way to tie together all of the concepts learned in this class. The concept map began with a question in mind; and from that question, I formulated answers that branch-out and form topics and sub-topics. Lastly, my answers must tie together somehow. The assignment itself is to present my thoughts and knowledge in a visual format and showcase how well I understood the information collectively. Of all the assignments in this class, this concept map was the most important. As I was completing it and putting it together, it really showed me that the course achieved its goal in giving me an overview of what religion is.

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