FRP Research Essay Grading Protocol
08 December 2009

I. Timeliness & Submission Format
Yes	No	Requirement	Score
		Digital archive copy (PDF) submitted with printout (5 points)
		Page header includes Group ID, name of religious community, date of composition, and page number (5 points)
		Timely submission (-5 points for each day late)
		Sub-total Part l	/10
II. Content: Comprehensive Answers to Research Questions
Yes	No	A. Basic History & Statistics (2 points each)
		1. Who was the founder of this religious tradition, and what can we know about this person?
		2. When was the religion founded? Why was this time particularly apt for the rise of this religious movement?
		3. Where was the religion founded? Why was this place particularly apt for the rise and spread of this religious movement?
		4. Why was it founded? What were the particular needs of the time that this new religious movement addressed in an unprecedented way? What other key factors helped this religious movement take root?
		5. If there are various strands of this religious tradition, briefly explain their differences.
		6. What have been the most important phases in the development of this religious tradition? What are two or three of the more interesting historical events connected with it?
		7. How important are the historical "roots" of this religious tradition to contemporary adherents? Explain.
		8. Where is this religious tradition most prevalent in the contemporary world, and among what ethnic groups? Give the per capita statistics across the globe, in visual and chart form. How do you explain this geographical and ethnic distribution?
		9. What kinds of challenges does this religious tradition face in the contemporary world, and how is it trying to meet those challenges? After completing this research project, what is your prognosis?
		10. What is your estimate of the overall health and viability of this religious tradition today? Explain.
Sub-total II. A			/20
Yes	No	B. Community (2 points each)
		1. What is the name for the community in this religious tradition? How is it comprised? What are the structures of authority and decision-making? Are there any distinctive beliefs about the validity of such authority? How so?
		2. Who have been the most important persons or groups in the growth and development of this religious tradition? Explain.
		3. Has the ethnic profile of this religious tradition changed since its early years? Provide statistics and explain their significance.
		4. How has (and does) the ethnic culture(s) of its members influenced this religious tradition? What are some of the most notable areas in which you see this influence? How do you evaluate this cultural influence?
		5. Who are viewed as contemporary, public leaders of this religious tradition? Why? How does one become a leader in this religious tradition? What kind of training, social connections, or other credentials does such a person need?
		6. Does this religious tradition have ordained clergy? If so, explain. If not, why not? Who serves that function in the absence of ordained personnel?
		7. What kinds of programs or activities are typical of religious communities in this tradition? (E.g., do they sponsor schools? Youth groups? Seniors groups? Mission trips? Service or outreach activities?) Why are these kinds of activities sponsored? What function do they serve in this religious tradition?
		8. What do these communities do to keep alive their cultural and religious traditions? How does the older generation pass along these religious and cultural traditions to the younger generation?
		9. How are the communities in this religious tradition unique or distinctive in comparison to those of other religious traditions?
		10. How do American communities in this religious tradition interact with the wider civic community? What contributions do they make to the wider society? How has this religious tradition begun to change due to its interaction with American culture? How has American culture begun to change due to its interaction with this religious tradition?
Sub-total II. B			/20
Yes	No	C. Ritual/Cultic Aspects (2 points each)
		1. What are the central rituals and celebrations of this religious tradition? Categorize each one and explain why it fits the category you have assigned.
		2. What are the key signs and symbols of this religious tradition? Explain.
		3. What are some of the more notable symbolic actions during the central rituals and celebrations of this religious tradition? Why are they done, and what does each one mean?
		4. Do women and men play the same kinds of cultic roles in this religious tradition? How so? Has this always been the case? Why is this the situation today?
		5. What are some of the more notable architectural features of the traditional houses of worship of this religious tradition? What distinctive furnishings does one find in these houses of worship? Explain the significance of these architectural features and interior furnishings.
		6. What collection of sacred writings does this religious tradition have? What genres of literature are included in this collection?
		7. How are these sacred writings used, both during religious rituals and outside of such ritual celebrations? Who has access to these writings (both physically and with respect to literacy)? What significance does that have for this religious tradition?
		8. List the most common (or normative) spiritual practices of this religious tradition. What is the significance of each one? Are these practices encouraged for select groups or for every follower of this religious tradition? Explain.
		9.
		10.
Sub-total II. C			/20
Yes	No	D. Beliefs/Creedal Aspects (2 points each)
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		10.
Sub-total II. D			/20
Yes	No	E. Ethics/Code of Living (2 points each)
		1.
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		10.
Sub-total II. E			/20
III. Organization (5 points each)
		Introduction
		Thesis statement
		Appropriate paragraphing and other divisions
		Conclusion
Sub-total Part III			/20
IV. Evidence & Eloquence (10 points each)
		Adequate bibliography, free of websites, and presented in correct CMS humanities format
		Accurate citations everywhere necessary, presented in correct CMS humanities format
		Clear and succinct expression (including orthography, punctuation, typography, and other formalities)
		Correct grammar and syntax; formal, Standard American English style
		Integration of data derived from all the various components of the FRP
		Linear line of development of argument
		Solid use of primary and secondary research data, with a clear understanding of the difference
Sub-total			/70
TOTAL POINTS			/200