MARKVILLE SECONDARY SCHOOL

WORLD RELIGIONS:  Beliefs, Issues and Religious Traditions

         

Website:  http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/history/religion/worldreligions.html

Teacher: Ms. Chong                                                   Email:  adrienne.chong@yrdsb.edu.on.ca 
Course Code: HRT 3M1- ____                                    

COURSE DESCRIPTION
As technology of the modern world continues to transform our planet into a “global village”, it is of crucial importance that its citizens develop an awareness and understanding of the richness and diversity of the cultures in which inhabit it.  An important part of this process, of course, cannot help but be an understanding of the many different faces of religion around the world.

This course enables students to discover what others believe and how they live and to appreciate their own unique heritage.  Students learn about the teaching and traditions of a variety of religions, the connection between religion and the development of civilization, the place and function of religion in human experience, and the influence of a broad range of religions on contemporary society.  This course also introduces student to skills used in researching and investigating world religions.

INTRODUCTION                                                                                                                                The religious impulse….reincarnation…karma…afterlife….soul…mosque…caste system… yoga…synagogue…Koran…miracles…Ganesha…salat…Torah…nirvana…Menorah…communion…church…  Eightfold Path…temple…God…gods…?   We live in a multicultural and multi-religious world.  Religion exists to many people for various purposes.  What do you believe?  And more importantly, why?

In this course, you will study and explore a variety of religions that are practiced around the world.  Some religions you study will be complex in beliefs and practices, others more simple.  Some religions hold stereotypes that will be addressed, discussed and corrected.  Many of the religions explored may leave you with more questions about your own beliefs, or may answer your own questions about the world.  Or it could reinforce what you already believe.  Most importantly, in and out of the classroom, you will be able to understand and discuss with accuracy the roles, beliefs and practices of various religions in today’s world.

During this course students will engage in multiple discussions, debates and critical analysis of the world’s religions. Individuals are encouraged to share personal experiences and beliefs during class.   However, it is NOT acceptable, under any circumstances to be rude, ignorant or disrespectful to the religions studied at any time.  Any occurrence of religious intolerance or ignorance will be dealt with swiftly and efficiently. 

Course Breakdown

Unit

Topic

1

Introduction:  Studying Religions

2

Aboriginal and Native Spirituality
Early Religions

3

Eastern Religions:  Hinduism and Buddhism

4

Western Religions:  Islam, Judaism and Christianity

MARK BREAKDOWN & ASSESSEMENT / EVALUATION                                                                                                                Your midterm and final grades will be determined by your level of performance on a number of activities. Each of the activities you complete in this course (including tests) will be directly tied to the following achievement areas:

§       Knowledge and Understanding (evaluation of your knowledge of facts and terms and understanding of concepts and theories)

§       Thinking/Inquiry (evaluation of your critical and creative thinking and inquiry skills)

§       Communication (evaluation of your ability to communicate information and ideas in a variety of ways)

§       Application (evaluation of your ability to transfer ideas, draw conclusions, make predictions, and make connections)

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

Essential Evidence

 

A.  COURSE WORK                                                                                     70%                            

-QUIZES & UNIT TESTS                                                                

-CLASS ACTIVITIES & ASSIGNMENTS
                                                                                                           

B.  CULMINATING ACTIVITIES

1: CASE STUDY:  RESEARCH ESSAY                  
2: STUDENT LED CRITICAL DISCUSSIONS
3: CONCEPT MAPS / PHOTOSHOP POSTER
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ORAL EXAM: GREAT DEBATES:  Religion in 21st Century                     15%

FINAL WRITTEN EXAM                                                                          15%

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TOTAL                                                                                                          100%


NOTE: SOME ASSESSMENT/ eVALUATION COMPONENTS MAY BE ALTERED DEPENDING ON TOPIC INTEREST, CLASS DEMAND OR TIME CONSTRAINTS. STUDENTS WILL BE MADE AWARE OF ANY CHANGES WITH AN UNDERSTANDING THAT MODIFICATIONS ARE IN THEIR BEST INTEREST.

 

FIELD TRIP:  Class will participate on a “Places of Worship Tour” and visit various religious temples:  Hindu, Buddhist, Islam, Jewish and Christian are all planned.