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US History IX Pilgrimage Project: Home

ASSIGNMENT

PURPOSE

For this project, you will be asked to create an “Interview with a Pilgrim” documenting the beliefs and practices surrounding travel to one of these sacred locations: Shikoku, Kailash, Kumbh Mela, Camino, Lourdes, Karbala, and Israel/Birthright.

REQUIREMENTS

To successfully complete this project, you will need to:

  • Research your pilgrimage using PDS databases
  • Identify different kinds of sources (videos, articles, books, websites) and evaluate these for relevance, appropriateness, and bias
  • Script your interview based on your research
  • Produce your video based on your script

Your final product should be a 5+ minute video, submitted along with your script. The script should be double-spaced and written in Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Each group member’s name and a title should appear on the first page, and all pages should be numbered at center bottom. Research materials should be cited using MLA format.

After all the interview videos have been watched, we will have a Harkness discussion on pilgrimage as an interreligious theme, so please be sure to take notes as you watch your classmates’ projects.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS: PILGRIMAGE PROJECT                      

Please answer the questions below. The specific number may depend on your teacher.

 

  1. What are the historical origins of the pilgrimage?
  2. When did the pilgrimage start, and why?
  3. How much of the pilgrimage is individual and how much of it is communal?
  4. What are the features of the pilgrimage site(s)?
  5. How do you prepare yourself for this pilgrimage?
  6. What kinds of ritual actions do you do during the pilgrimage?
  7. Is the pilgrimage experience the same for men as it is for women?  Why or why not?
  8. What features of the pilgrimage might be challenging physically?
  9. Are there any age limits placed on a person’s eligibility to make the pilgrimage?
  10. When is the pilgrimage performed: can it be done anytime or only at special times?
  11. Do what extent are pilgrims diverse in terms of national, ethnic or racial identity?  
  12. What kinds of tools or objects do you use/keep with you during the pilgrimage.
  13. Is there anything that you are forbidden to do while on pilgrimage?  Is there anything that you are forbidden to bring with you on pilgrimage?
  14. Does the pilgrimage require any special clothing or costume?
  15. Does completion of the pilgrimage confer upon the pilgrim any kind of special or honorary status?
  16. What kinds of expenses does the pilgrim incur in order to complete the pilgrimage?
  17. Do any special financial resources/organizations exist that help cover the costs of the pilgrimage?
  18. Who or what entity/entities (a state; an organization; a religious authority) control or maintain the pilgrimage site(s)?

LIBRARY RESOURCES

RESEARCHING OUTSIDE OF THE LIBRARY

The nature of this project lends itself to all kinds of sources, including websites. You may find "official" sites for your pilgrimage, interviews or first-hand accounts of those who have completed the pilgrimage (print or audio/visual), photos of important sites, etc. It is important to evaluate these sources before you decide to include them in your research, however. Keep these important aspects in mind:

  • Currency: The timeliness of the information
  • Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs
  • Authority: The source of the information
  • Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
  • Purpose: The reason the information exists

Use the checklist below to help guide you while looking at sources.

Be sure to cite your sources! Our library databases make it easy for you to copy and paste citations. However, you will have to format them yourself if you are using websites, books, or other resources. The Online Writing Lab at Purdue is a great resource for formatting your Works Cited. You can also use NoodleTools. See Ms. Matlack if you have any questions or need additional help with your sources.

Upper School Librarian

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Amy Matlack
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