Describes these basic components of religious traditions and their relationship to the sacred:

·What a religious tradition says-its teachings, texts, doctrine, stories, myths, and others

·What a religious tradition does-worship, prayer, pilgrimage, ritual, and so forth

·How a religious tradition organizes-leadership, relationships among members, and so forth

Identifies key critical issues in the study of religion.

Includes specific examples from the various religious traditions described in the Week One readings that honor the sacred-such as rituals of the Igbo to mark life events, the vision quest as a common ritual in many Native American societies, or the influence of the shaman as a leader. You may also include examples from your own religious tradition or another religious tradition with which you are familiar.