Research Paper Outline
Our class has focused on all aspects of eschatology and the apocalyptic; we have mined the treasures of literature, explored the depths of the history of endism, discussed the potent effects of apocalyptic media (and America’s apparent obsession with it), and diagnosed the fundamentalist mindset. This paper will build on the last of these topics; its goal will be to analyze the ‘apocalyptic elements of religious terrorism’ with a particular focus on the Islamic notion of Jihad. In class we have discussed and diagnosed the characteristics of the fundamentalist mindset (using Strozier’s book of the same title).
After a brief overview of the fundamentalist mindset (as it applies in general), the paper will discuss Islamic fundamentalism, its connection to the overall theme of the apocalypse, as well as its pernicious effects on Global society today. It’s nature as a threat to world peace and democracy will be examined through the examination of several Islamic radical groups which purport fundamentalist ideologies (Jihad and Sharia first and foremost among them). Recent terrorist events, the Mosque controversy, as well as dispersed events in European history will be cited as justification for increasing awareness of these aforementioned threats, as well as the need for education about the truth regarding the “Religion of Peace”.
Juergensmeyer’s “Terror in the mind of God” will be used to provide a rational analysis of the actions of those who terrorize in the name of religion. The justifications for and motives of Islamic terrorism will be dissected through entering the mind of the terrorist, and questions such as “How is religion used to justify terrorism?” will be answered using the help of the above referenced source.
Through the use of the work “Grand Jihad” by Andrew Mcarthy, and “While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the World From Within” by Bruce Bawer, the effects of Islamic Fundamentalism in creating a violent kulturkampf between the East and the West will be examined and analyzed. In this manner the true global reach, and incredibly pejorative effect of fundamentalism (in the case of Islam) will be brought to light. Possible actions against the spread of fundamentalism, in the face of an unyielding enemy, will also be discussed. Throughout all discussions emphasis will be placed on how an apocalyptic orientation, a notion of the end, or a psychosomatic sense of endism can promulgate the radical (and by today’s standard intolerable) notions of fundamentalism to otherwise civil members of society, as well as help foster (and justify) global terrorism.
Creative Project Outline
Moving away from the concept of the apocalypse in the form of religious terrorism, I now turn my attention towards something a lot more engaging (hopefully). As a metalhead for most of my life, I have constantly been exposed to apocalypse in the media in one form or another. It took this class to open my eyes to truly how much Heavy Metal culture borrows from apocalyptic style. Tentatively titled, “The Apocalyptic Culture of Heavy Metal” my creative project aims to be a sort of film journal which will bring to light many instances of Apocalyptic themes in Heavy metal music, and will simultaneously investigate the culture of Heavy Metal—why it lends itself to the use of apocalyptic elements so easily, as well as the mindset and ideologies of those ‘headbangers’ who are its loyal patrons. Through the employment of a visual timeline of heavy metal, several interviews with metal-heads themselves (as well as my own), screenshots and footage from concerts, as well as a short power point presentation detailing an academic look into the strong cultural identity of the metal subculture, as well as its apocalyptic subtext—this project aims to bring to light how Heavy Metal is not only another form of apocalyptic media, but perhaps one of the most widespread and influential forms. The book “Heavy Metal” by Deena Weinstein as well as “The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal” by Ian Christe will be used in order to provide the proper academic context of this project. An emphasis will be placed throughout this project on particular song examples, as well as personal accounts and live footage in order for the viewer to gain a more intimate understanding of how the Metal Culture operates within its apocalyptic subtext.
As you think about a visual timeline, I have two tools I’d strongly suggest you check out. Dipity is a timeline generator; it’s easy to add photos and video to it, and then to embed the results in a web site such as ours. The basic version (which should be plenty) is free. The other fun thing I’d mention is VoiceThread, which allows you to do a photo slideshow with voiceover and annotation. I wrote about it and have an example here. Be in touch while you’re working on your presentation–we can make it rock!
Oh wow, i’ll definitely take a look at these…i was originally considering a movie format, but this might prove easier and maybe even better! Thanks!