Essay 4 Assignment

Keeping in mind our in-class readings and discussions, compose a 5-7 page essay that explores an aspect of shamanism. You may pick one of the following options as the general topic of your paper:

1. In Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (1974), noted French anthropologist Mircea Eliade described shamanism as "the most archaic and most widely distributed occult tradition in the world." Since the late 18th century there has been an extensive literature compiled about shamanism, most recently under the anthropological rubric of "ethnographic studies." Taking an anthropological, or ethnographic, approach, research a specific tribe or people -- past or present -- and write an essay that discusses the shamanic practices of that tribe or people. Though the choice of tribe is up to you, a few that have been extensively researched include: Inuit, Tungus, Yanomamö, Crow, and Blackfeet.
   
   
2. Throughout the world, achieving the "shamanic trance state" is one of the defining elements of shamanic practices. This altered state of consciousness, also known as "shamanic ecstasy," has been studied by a wide range of scientists including anthropologists and psychologists for over a century. Write an expository essay in which you either: a) explore the shamanic trance state from a psychological and/or physiological perspective, describing the techniques used for achieving such altered states of consciousness, and the effects they produce in the human brain; or b) discuss shamanic ecstasy from the perspective of the shaman.
   
   
3. Psychotropic drugs such as peyote and psilocybin are often used in many shamanic cultures not only to aid the shaman in achieving the shamanic trance state, but also to give other members of the tribe a glimpse into the world the shaman inhabits. (The anthropological term for the study of this is "ethnobotany.") Pick one such drug and write an essay describing its use and importance in shamanic culture.
   
   
4. In the cult spiritual classic The Doors of Perception (1954), writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley describes his visionary experience while under the influence of mescaline during the early 1950s. In the book, Huxley discusses the philosophical, religious, and aesthetic implications of his experience, and comes out strongly in favor of the drug's use in mystical practice. However, as psychiatrist Roger Walsh points out in his essay "Mysticism: Contemplative and Chemical," a great many religious scholars argue strongly against the idea that drug-induced mysticism can even remotely approach the mystical experience one obtains after years of contemplative practice. Write an essay in which you argue either for or against the use of psychedellic drugs in spiritual or mystical practice.
   
   
5. Western interest in shamanism has spawned the so-called neo-shamanism movement, in which shamanic elements are adapted to Western urban life in an effort to regain a connection to the sacred, and as a means of personal empowerment. Quoting Gordon MacLellan, Graham Harvey points out in his essay "Shamanism," that these contemporary practices generally fall into three sorts: personal healing, community healing, and connection to the land. Write an expository essay on one of these three aspects of the neo-shamanism movement.
   
   
6. Write an essay on a topic of your own choosing that relates to the theme of this unit. If you pick this option you must have your topic approved in advance.
   
   

Writing Requirements

Length: 5-7 pages.
Due Dates: Mon. Dec 4, Peer draft (bring two copies); Wed. Dec 13, Final draft in my office no later than noon.
Sources: At least three. Your sources must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least one source must come from the readings in our course packet.
• At least one sources must come from books, magazines, and journals from the University's libraries and/or Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost).
• Although you may use them in your paper, dictionaries and general purpose encyclopedias (e.g. Encarta, wikipedia) do not count toward your source requirements.

These are, of course, the minimum requirements; you may use as many sources as are necessary to adequately explore your topic. Always keep in mind that the sources you use reflect on how seriously you approached your research, and you will be evaluated on their applicability and strength.

Submitting Your Work

Essays must be submitted in a plain, 2-pocket folder with your name clearly written on the outside. Plastic folders or folders containing school logos or other decorative art will not be accepted. The following items must be included inside your folder:

• Final draft of essay, stapled, in a pocket by itself.
• First draft of essay I reviewed (if applicable).
• Completed Peer Evaluation Forms. (Folders missing peer evaluation forms will be docked one letter grade.)
• Essay Grade Sheet (available in the "Notes & Forms" section of this Web site).

Grading Criteria

When assigning grades, I reserve "A" for exceptional papers; you do not get an "A" simply by addressing the topic in a standard way and avoiding mechanical errors.

I will assess you in the following three areas:

Invention

• Introduction and Thesis: Are these components of your essay clearly written, easily identifiable, and effective in presenting the topic, providing direction to the paper as a whole, and discussing the significance of the topic?
• Accuracy, Wording, and Research: Have you used the required outside sources to support your argument, and when using these sources, do you express their concepts fairly and accurately? NOTE: Failure to meet research requirements may result in an 'E' for the essay. Have you integrated quotes smoothly? If you are paraphrasing, do you use your own words yet still remain faithful to the author's original meaning? Have you expressed your ideas clearly and concisely? Is the essay in your own words?
• Lines of Argument: Have you clearly and extensively defined necessary terms? Have you illustrated your criteria with specific examples and, if necessary, contrasting examples? Have you established ethical, logical, and emotional reasons (evidence) in support of your thesis, in order of importance?
• Conclusion: Have you summarized your argument, leaving your readers with ideas that they can think about in the future?
• Revision: Are there substantial changes between the draft and final versions of the essay? Does your final version meet the length requirements?

Organization

• Beginning: Have you followed the organizational plan discussed in class? Have you offered an introduction in which you explain the issue and show why it is relevant? Have you presented a clear thesis that guides and unifies the essay?
• Middle: Are your paragraphs focused and well developed? Do your paragraphs contain topic sentences? Have you revised for clarity and worked on eliminating wordy, unclear, and/or repetitive areas in your essay? Have you included transitional words between sentences and paragraphs to make your ideas flow more smoothly?
• End: Do you offer a conclusion which does more than merely repeat your major ideas?

Style

• Format: Does your paper adhere to MLA format, including font and point size? Have you correctly cited from your sources and inserted a parenthetical citation after each quote? Have you introduced the quote in an effective way? Have you correctly used MLA formatting and included a "Works Cited" page?
• Tone: Is your tone appropriate for the chosen audience?
• Grammar/Sentences: Is your paper free from grammatical errors such as sentence fragments, fused sentences, comma splices, mixed constructions, apostrophe errors, subject/verb and pronoun/antecedent disagreement? Is the essay free from spelling errors?