1) Make sure you are familiar with the details of a Rite of Passage as they are presented in the textbook. Pay special attention to the details of each of the three phases of a Rite of Passage.

2) Choose a ritual to write about. Make sure that it is a Rite of Passage. Does it contain the three phases of a Rite of Passage? Do you know enough about the ritual to write a detailed essay? Make sure you can look at the ritual objectively. It is important to look at the ritual as a functional piece of a culture.

3) Write a 300-word essay describing the ritual you have chosen, making sure to clearly illustrate how it fits the criteria for a Rite of Passage. If the essay is less than 300 words you will not receive any points for the assignment. I would suggest you organize your essay as follows as it will make grading the assignment (an awarding you all possible points) easier for me and my TA.

Introduction paragraph: Tell me what you are going to tell me. Introduce the concept of a write of Passage and let me know what ritual you will be describing.

Separation Phase: Describe, in detail the portion of your chosen ritual that serves as the separation phase of the ritual. Then describe how this portion of your ritual fits the criteria for the separation phase.

Transition Phase: Describe, in detail, the portion of your ritual that serves as a transition phase. Then, as before, describe how the portion of your ritual fits the criteria for the transition phase.

Introduction Phase: I think you should understand what to do by this phase.

Conclusion: Briefly summarize what you have told me.