Unit Description: The origins of belief systems and its impact on the development emerging cultures.
Stage 1- Desired Results
Essential Questions
How did beliefs systems emerge and spread throughout the ancient world.
What impact did these belief systems have upon different cultures.
What similarities and differences developed between these different belief systems.
Enduring Understandings
Students understand that...
The emergence and spread of belief systems influenced and shaped the development of cultures, as well as their traditions and identities. Important similarities and differences between these belief systems are found in their core beliefs, ethical codes, practices, and social relationships.
Common Core Standards and Performance Indicators:
Unifying Themes:
Individual Development and Cultural Identity (ID)
Development and Transformation of Social Structures (SOC)
Social Studies Content Area Standards:
(Standards: 2, 3; Themes: ID, SOC)
Social Studies Practices (begin on page 3)
Common Core Learning Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science,and Technical Subjects (begins on page 76)
Knowledge
Students know that...
9.2a Belief systems developed beliefs and practices to address questions of origin, the requirements to live a good life, and the nature of the afterlife.
9.2b Belief systems were often used to unify groups of people, and affected social order and gender roles.
Key Terms
Holy law
Holy book
Holy land
Ten Commandments
Five Pillars
Karma
Reincarnation
Filial Piety
Skills
Students will be able to...
Students will identify the place of origin, compare and contrast the core beliefs and practices, and explore the sacred texts and ethical codes for Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Daoism.
Students will examine similarities and differences between Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Confucianism regarding their effects on social order and gender roles.
Stage 2- Assessment Evidence
Summative Tasks
Formative Tasks
Ancient Religion CRQ: 3 document questions and a summary paragraph
Religion Graphic Organizer: Fill in Political, social, and economic impact of ten religions
Chinese Woman’s Instructions to Her Daughters: reading with critical thinking questions. Connects to Confucian values
Marks of a Civilization (p. 42): Students choose one civilization and give examples of how they fit 8 characteristics of a civilization
If Lao Tzu Met Confucius... (pg 47 (60): includes Venn diagram and scenarios for analysis
Buddhism as an Alternative to Patriarchy in India: a series of poems with questions (can be edited)
Judaism, Christianity and Islam Compared DBA: table with questions
Stage 3- Related Lessons
Lesson Plans and Content
Videos, Documents, and Resources
World Religions: Compare and Contrast: Uses video of Akhenaten to lead to comparison activity; includes discussion questions
Romans and Christianity Lesson Plan (SHEG): students use document analysis to answer the question "Why did the Roman Empire persecute Christians?"
Judaism 101 (Begins on page 74-77): Looks at historical and modern observances of major Jewish holidays
Christianity (pg. 69): Rise of Christianity; uses letters from Roman emperors to the Christians to categorize reasons for Christianity's popularity
Egyptian Religion (pg. 28): Reading and Venn Diagram
Venn Diagram: Christianity, Islam and Judaism
Judaism and Christianity primary sources: Creation story and Ten Commandments from Exodus: Pages 6 - 14
The Analects: Primary source; begins on page 18
Suggestions for Diverse Learners
Living as an Untouchable: Primary source and questions (pages 28-30)
Buddha's First Sermon: brief excerpt that introduces the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism (page 32)
Categorize the belief with the ancient religion (page 56): fill in the blank