Instructions for Final Project :

1. Research and Identify resources supporting a central argument/explanation of a Catholic theme;  e.g. grace, sin, evil, death/resurrection, forgiveness, etc.  You are expected to identify at least 8 library resources (10-12 resources for groups with more than 4 students).  Your research must include a mix of peer-reviewed journal articles and books; with no more than 2 reputable websites or internet sources.

•    Need help getting started on identifying a theme? Go to the tab in this guide "Encyclopedias and Ebooks" select   [e.g. New Catholic Encyclopedia (Gale e-book). Read articles for background information.

2.Preference for citation style is APA. MLA may also be used but choose one and be consistent!  Before you begin collecting articles and books on your theme, go to the tab in this guide labeled "CITE YOUR SOURCES." At the top of the column you can access "RefWorks" and  "Create an Account" for yourself.  This is an excellent tool to export all your citations in the correct format and allow you to create a bibliography for this project.  Once you create your personal account  you can use RefWorks for ALL your classes.

3. Use the tab "Find Books" to access the  Library Catalog  [export the citations to RefWorks]

4. Use the tab "Find Articles" [e.g. ATLA Religion database]  [export the citations to Refworks] 

5. Identify a film - eventually selecting and isolating  one film clip- that concretely illuminates the Catholic theme and explains the research.  (This is your MOST important task!)

6. Create  a Powerpoint presentation with text and graphics that engage the class and explain your theme. The film clip will be shown as part of your Powerpoint presentation so it should last no longer than 5-7 minutes. 

7. Write a 2 page summary guide highlighting and explaining the information gathered on your theme. Bring print copies of your guide to distribute to each student on the day of your presentation. Include your name/or all team members names and the film title.  

8. Each individual student, working alone or in a group, must also submit a 2 page personal reflection outlining the value of the research, and how your thinking evolved on the theme and your perspectives on the film clip. For example, what new insights did you gain? Where there any "Ah Ha!" moments? Questions you want to discern further?

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Please see your course syllabus for more in-depth information about your instructor's expectations for the course and written assignments.   This Guide is ONLY intended to provide orientation to the library and resources that you are expected to consult.  

Contact me if you need additional help or want to schedule a research consultation.   Good Luck!

Mary Sepulveda;  Librarian for Theology and Religious Studies