THINK PIECE DIRECTIONS
For certain topics this semester you will be responsible for completing a Think Piece. The Think Piece is an open-ended analysis of the topic and how the concepts are a part of your actual life. Cultural anthropology is not abstract, but very real. We all live these topics every day. I want you to think about how you do that. I want you to be the cultural anthropologist and use the concepts to analyze your life.
I will provide prompts for you to think on as you are doing your writing. These are not questions to be answered but rather notions to consider as you compose your Think Piece.
Each think piece needs to be at least two full double-spaced page. They may be longer, but not shorter. They may incorporate aspects of previous topics if you find them relevant to the cu
ent week’s topic! The compositions should be written in Times New Roman or Garamond, 12pt, 1” margins. You do not need to put your name and ten lines to a title on the first page since you will be submitting though Blackboard. I know who you are and what the assignment is
Think Pieces will be submitted through BlackBoard only! Please, no email submissions.
Think Piece 3
Religion impacts our lives in many ways, from determining our morality and ethics through laws, to shaping our faith and beliefs. In this time of uncertainty, people turn to religion for comfort, protection, and to feel a sense of inclusion even in our separation.
This week, I want you to reflect on how religion impacts and is interwoven into your life—from the outright and obvious to the more subtle ways. Think about how Easter and Passover were cele
ated (or not, as the case may be) this year. Think about your culture’s belief in witchcraft and the supernatural. My little Italian Nonna used to wear two things around her neck: a cross and a corno amulet. One was to show her devotion to God, the other was to ward off the evil eye, often considered a form of witchcraft. I have encountered similar amulets across the Middle East. The choices are virtually endless.