A Student’s Complete Guide to Writing a Religious Studies Research Paper

Writing a research paper can be challenging, whether you’re in high school or college. However, with the right approach, it can become an engaging and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of researching, selecting a topic, and writing an effective religious studies research paper.

Step 1: Choosing a Research Topic

A well-defined topic is crucial to a successful research paper. Research papers in religious studies should be fact-based rather than opinion-based. Below are some suggested topics:

Suggested Research Topics

1. The Impact of the Holocaust on Jewish Faith
   • How did Jewish religious beliefs evolve post-Holocaust?
   • How did Jewish communities reconcile faith with such suffering?
2. Islam: A Religion of Peace or Violence?
   • Analysis of Quranic verses regarding peace and violence.
   • Media perceptions vs. theological teachings.
3. Historical Evolution of a Religion of Your Choice
   • Major developments in religious thought and practice.
   • Influence of cultural and political shifts.
4. Religious Creation Stories and Mythology
   • Similarities between religious and mythological origin stories.
   • Interpretations of creation across different faiths.
5. Divisions Within Christianity
   • Causes and consequences of major church schisms.
   • The Reformation and its impact on modern Christianity.

Step 2: Conducting Effective Research

Finding Reliable Sources

• Academic Databases: Use resources such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and your university’s online library.
• Primary Religious Texts: The Bible, Quran, Torah, and other sacred texts provide foundational insights.
• Reputable Publications: Articles from respected theological scholars and religious studies journals.

Evaluating Sources

• Verify authorship and credentials.
• Ensure objectivity and accuracy.
• Prefer sources with citations and peer reviews.

Step 3: Pre-Writing Strategies

Outlining Your Paper

A well-structured outline will save time and improve clarity. A basic outline includes:

1. Introduction
   • Hook: A thought-provoking question or fact.
   • Background information.
   • Thesis statement.
2. Body Paragraphs
   • Main arguments supported by evidence.
   • Counterarguments and refutations.
3. Conclusion
   • Restate the thesis in a new way.
   • Summarize key findings.
   • Suggest future areas of research.

Taking Notes

• Jot down key points from sources.
• Record citation details for easy referencing.
• Organize notes according to your outline.

Step 4: Writing the Research Paper

Crafting an Effective Introduction

• Begin with a compelling hook.
• Provide necessary context.
• Clearly state your thesis statement.

Developing Strong Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should:

• Start with a clear topic sentence.
• Present supporting evidence.
• Analyze the evidence in relation to the thesis.
• Address counterarguments where necessary.

Writing a Persuasive Conclusion

• Summarize your main points.
• Reinforce the significance of your research.
• Propose further research questions.

Step 5: Editing and Proofreading

Reviewing for Clarity and Coherence

• Ensure logical flow between paragraphs.
• Check for redundancy and remove unnecessary content.
• Verify proper use of citations.

Using Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers

• Utilize tools like Grammarly for grammar correction.
• Run your paper through plagiarism checkers (e.g., Turnitin) to ensure originality.

Formatting the Reference Page

• Arrange sources alphabetically.
• Use the correct citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).