Length: 1500-2000 words, in addition to a bibliography/works cited page Formatting: Double –spaced, 12-pt font, Arial or Times New Roman Font Bibliography: a minimum of 3 academic sources; preferably peer-reviewed publications and books. One of these must be a book reference. These academic sources are in addition to your textbook/weekly readings/lectures. Do not use Wikipedia as an Internet source. Construct an argument to answer ONE of the following three questions: Identify one of the religions covered in this course that emphasizes behavior/deeds over adherence to creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences in our current era. Then, compare it to another religion that you interpret as emphasizing the opposite, i.e., creeds/beliefs/spiritual experiences over behavior/deeds. Explain the reasons for such possible differences in emphases by exploring underlying sociological and historical themes. What were major world events or cultural developments that may have led each of these religions to emphasize each of these particular aspects over the other? Although Buddhism and Hinduism share similar beliefs, their approaches to the self, or the ‘soul’ are very different. Explain the metaphysical and practical distinctions between anatman and atman, and how these concepts tie into each religion’s unique approach to the sacred (god/gods) and the path to salvation. Make sure you specify which branches of Buddhism and Hinduism your analysis is tackling. What is the meaning of the word Jihad in Islam? Select two distinct sects of Islam and explain key differences/similarities in the interpretation and practices of this term. What role, if any, does Jihad serve in the sects you have selected, in today’s world? How has this role changed from previous historical time periods and/or how has it remained the same? The textbook and required readings will not have enough information about any of the topic questions above to formulate substantial responses. To succeed in this assignment, set aside sufficient time to research the chosen topic thoroughly.

Contrast deductive and inductive reasoning, and explain how they can each be used to generate a hypothesis.

Week 7 Exercise: Prosocial BehaviorMuch of what we tend to focus on when we study social psychology are topics that often have a negative connotation such as conformity, prejudice, aggression or obedience. A huge component of the study of social psychology; however, focuses on prosocial behavior – behaviors that focus on compassion and helping others. For this activity, you will focus on this more uplifting aspect of social psychology. Topics that fall under the area of prosocial behavior include altruism, helping, bystander intervention, empathy, and compassion, among others. For this exercise, pick one day and seek to structure your thoughts and behaviors entirely around helping others. With each interaction or action you take, pause to think and ask yourself "is there a way I might help another here?" Hold a door for someone, offer your seat, share a smile, give a sincere compliment, show empathy to another, attempt to be more patient or understanding, etc. Your efforts should be in social settings that involve interactions with others (rather than something such as donating to a charity for instance). The goal is to be as thoughtfully prosocial in your interactions throughout the day as possible. At the beginning of the day, jot down your general mood, feelings, attitude, etc. Then throughout the day, whenever possible, carry a small notebook with you or make notes in an app on your phone to jot down meaningful encounters or experiences as you attempt to engage in prosocial behaviors. At the end of the day, again reflect and take notes on how you feel, your general mood, feelings and attitudes, etc.In a 5-7 slide PowerPoint presentation, not counting title or reference slides: Summarize your experience. Describe the prosocial behaviors you engaged in, others' reactions to these behaviors, and your assessment of any changes in mood, attitude, good fortune, or anything else of note you experienced. Review what you have learned about human behavior in social settings this week in your readings. Connect what you learned or experienced through your day of conscious, prosocial behavior with the terms, concepts, and theories from your research. Integrate at least two academic sources (your assigned readings/resources can comprise one of these sources), citing any references used in APA format. Describe any new insights you gained through this experience about your interactions with others on a daily basis, including any behaviors you wish to change or to continue. Use the features of PowerPoint to your advantage to communicate your ideas – include pictures, audio recorded narration, speaker's notes, video, links, etc. as appropriate to enhance your ideas.Include an APA formatted title slide and reference slide. APA components such as an abstract, headings, etc. are not required since this is a PowerPoint presentation