You are required to cite the assigned class authors/readings at least six times in your essay and are encouraged but not required to use sources beyond class texts.  Please reference appropriately with a works cited page.

How can people discover and live a meaningful and happy life in spite of ongoing illness, pain, and vulnerability?  What ideas, attitudes, and values do we find in culture and spiritual traditions that help or hinder people in this task?  Incorporate examples from your own life.

1.    Clarity, coherence and development of the written text
2.    Comprehension of the reading and lecture material and the ability to use the material in creative and realistic ways
3.    Critical reasoning skills demonstrated by the use of appropriate examples
4.    Capacity to apply constructively class readings and lectures to the topic/issue/questions that you are addressing