I don’t know how to handle this English question and need guidance.
Pick one prompt and discuss.
- Read the Introduction (page 1) and the “Uncertainty and Magic” (page 5) section in George Gmelch’s article “Baseball Magic,” and discuss: What do routines and rituals have in common in their social function, according to the author? Although routines and rituals are very similar in their function, are they any different? How yes, or how not? Can you share a routine that is almost a ritual for you?
- Discuss a rite of passage like marriage (either sacred or profane), and break it down in Arnold van Gennep’s three stages: separation, liminality and incorporation. Alternatively, you can break down a rite of passage within your culture.
- Elaborate on the meaning of Karl Marx’s sentence “religion is the opium of the people,” and its relation to his study of religion from a Superstructural point of view. How do the effects of opium compare to the effects of religion and how do they affect society?
Rubric. Your post needs to include 6-10 full sentences. In addition, you MUST reply to at least one of your classmates. Your reply needs to have 3-5 full sentences. Monosyllables like yes/no, or unilinear responses like Agree/disagree, will not count.
Your reply can include asking for clarification on your classmate’s idea, provide additional resources or information, ask for expansion of ideas, tease an idea even more, comment on advantages or disadvantages on what your peer suggested, take an opposing viewpoint even if you do not necessarily take that perspective (play devil’s advocate), argue the other side, etc.
Remember to adhere to the Course Norms, or Netiquette, specially to the “Be specific” point. Also, check the grading rubric.
