What is a Concept Map?

A concept map provides a visual diagram of a complex system of interrelated ideas. You start with the main idea (in our case, the idea is the concept of RELIGION). Then you brainstorm sub-concepts of ever smaller levels and connect these ideas with lines to show how they are all interrelated.

Concept mapping is a great tool to use as you read a text book and try to make sense out of all the new information you are learning, connecting ideas and building more complexity to the main idea as you go along.It is also a good way to synthesize all that you have learned, grouping related ideas and putting the pieces together.

This is what you are being tasked with doing toward the end of your study in this course. But you might want to begin the process early and gradually build (add to) your concept map as you learn. You can continually adjust and readjust it as you go on with your learning.

• Here are some simple step-by-step instructions (Links to an external site.) for creating a concept map
• Here is another set of directions (Links to an external site.) you might find helpful

You can choose to create your concept map in several ways:

• By hand (using poster board and markers)video example (Links to an external site.)
• Combine a hand drawn map with images cut from magazines or other print resources
• Use drawing tools on your computer (e.g. PowerPoint – just a single slide, please)

Use online tools:

• bubbl.us (Links to an external site.)how to” video (Links to an external site.)(how to add images to a map created using bubbl.us)
• text2mindmap (Links to an external site.)how to” video (Links to an external site.)You can get very creative and artistic with your concept map and have fun!
  

  Directions

  1. Your concept map for this class will start with the main idea: “RELIGION” or “Religion Is…” or the question: “What Is Religion?” (this is the text that you should put in the central or top bubble of your concept map).2. Base your concept map on what you have learned about religion in this course, to reflect Ninian Smart’s “Seven dimensions” (Links to an external site.) of religion (the major topics for each week of study, of each chapter in the text or video lectures). These should be the major topics in your map.3. Be sure to expand on these major topics with sub-topics and then branch out even further for several minor sub-topics, creating smaller levels or bubbles, each connected to the others in a logically related way. Finally, you should include some specific examples (in words and/or images) from various religions to illustrate or otherwise represent the various aspects of religion.4. Remember, religion is a complex system where no one “dimension” of religion stands alone. So don’t forget to show connecting and cross-linking lines to demonstrate the multiple ways that these various ideas all combine as a part of the main idea of what RELIGION is. The lines may have a few connecting phrases as needed (e.g. “…related to a…” or “…as found in…”) but avoid use of complete sentences in any one bubble or line. (a concept map is an image of an idea – a visual tool).for example:the “mythic/narrative dimension” of religion (a major category in your map) might include reference to the sacred texts (a sub-topic) of religions. Examples of this would be the Bible or the Quran. Then there would be other sub-topics such as the different kinds of stories (be they found in written or just oral form). And you can then provide specific examples of each kind of story from various of the world’s religions. However, sacred texts (the books themselves rather than reference to the content) might also be a minor sub-topic under the “material dimension” of religion. So you’d need a line to “cross-link” the same minor topic between two major topics. Think about what else might also be based on the sacred texts that can further cross-link to yet a third or even forth major category (moral codes, for instance).5. Also use color and images to enhance the visual appeal of your map. Color can also help to distinguish the various major topics or levels within your map.6. This can easily get overly complex and confusing to look at, so try to arrive at a suitable balance between being comprehensive yet in a well organized and clear presentation.7. In the end, you will reflect (in your journal) on the best maps submitted by classmates and how you might improve your own map.Submitting Your Concept Map: use the discussion board forum provided for this assignment

  • Take digital picture of your work (for hand done poster)
  • Provide a URL link to an online concept map or attach your file
  1. Finalize your “Religion Is…” Concept Map (working on this might be a good way to review for the final exam. You can work on this while also getting started with the group discussion.)
  2. Then share your map with your classmates in the discussion board:Enter the forum for the “Concept Maps”
  3. Start a new thread
  • • Copy and paste the URL or attach your file by clicking on the paper clip icon and “Browse My Computer” button to locate and select your file.

  Once your own map is submitted, you will be able to see other submissions (or come back later for those who might submit after you do).Complete your assignment (wait until after the due date, when most of the maps will be submitted):

  1. examine the maps your classmates have submitted and
  2. share in your journal (these journal reflections are worth 10% of the assignment):
     • which of the other maps you like best and why you like it (provide the first and last name of the classmate who submitted the map you like best), along with
     • a reflection on how you might improve your own map (perhaps based on things you saw in the other maps)

  For extra credit, you may also choose to reply to your classmates in the forum with ideas for improving their maps (ideas not already posted by others)Grading: see complete grading rubric attached to this assignment in your grades page

  • Content (30%): clear focus displaying a suitable number of ideas/concepts (at least three levels down) related to course content
  • Organization (30%): logical connections between ideas
  • Visual Appeal (30%): creativity and originality, clarity and neatness, color and images
  • Discussion and Journal reflection on the submitted concept maps (10%)

  Due Date: See course calendar