Comparative Religions

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Appendix

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World Studies Resources

Additional Educator Resources

Course Details:

Grades: 9-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: none

Course Description:

This course studies and compares the major religions existing in the world today. Some focus is directed towards the present, while other study is directed to the historical development of each religion. The major emphasis is on the economic, political, and social influences of these religions on the modern world. Basic areas of study are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

This course may be used as an alternative for World History 1 in order to meet the World Studies requirement.

While the grade/course level competencies are required, content objectives are suggested pathways that move learners toward competency and the achievement of performance indicators.

Introduction to the Study of Religions

and its Early Development

Graduate - Level Competency:

Historical

GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.

Course/Grade Competency:

WS.12 The learner will identify and describe the basic elements that define religious beliefs and practices, by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

- Identify the beginning of religious thought.
- Discuss the universal questions of existence posed by various religious traditions.
- Compare and contrast various religious views concerning the spiritual nature of humanity.
- Analyze the role of myth, nature, and agriculture in the development of religious thought.

Standards:

NCSS

I-II, V-VI, & X

AK Cultural

B.1, E.1

Course/Grade Competency:

WS.13 The learner will describe the basic elements that define animism by exploring the foundation, beliefs, writings, practices, and deities, in order to understand the religion’s influence on culture and society.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

- Analyze the role of myth, nature, and agriculture in the development of religious thought.
- Define animism and shamanism.
- Identify culture groups who practiced or still practice animism.
- Describe common traits of animist cultures and systems of beliefs.
- Define Polytheism.
- Explore the role of nature and the natural world in Indigenous peoples’ culture, worldview, and spirituality.
- Compare different Indigenous belief systems from around the globe, and analyze how geography and climate influenced the development of their religion.
- Examine the impact of Western religion and missionaries on animist religions.

Standards:

AK Cultural

B.1, E.1

Development of Eastern Religions

Graduate - Level Competency:

Historical

GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.

Course/Grade Competency:

WS.14 The learner will describe the basic elements that define Eastern religions by exploring the foundation, beliefs, writings, practices, and deities, in order to understand the religion’s influence on culture and society.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

Describe the foundation and basic beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism.
Analyze the development of Eastern religious systems in the context of their cultural surroundings.
Compare and contrast the views of various religions concerning the spiritual nature of man.
Analyze the political, social, and economic impacts of major religious practices and beliefs of the Eastern tradition.

Standards:

NCSS

I-II, V-VI, & X

Development of Western Religions

Graduate - Level Competency:

Historical

GL.3 The learner will understand how historical events impact the modern era by applying historical inquiry skills in order to understand the forces of change and make informed decisions.

Course/Grade Competency:

WS.15 The learner will describe the basic elements that define Western religions by exploring the foundation, beliefs, writings, practices, and deities, in order to understand the religion’s influence on culture and society.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

- Describe the foundation and basic beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Analyze the development of Western religious systems in the context of their cultural surroundings.
- Compare and contrast the views of various religions concerning the spiritual nature of man.
- Analyze the political, social, and economic impacts of major religious practices and beliefs of the Western tradition.

Standards:

NCSS

I-II, V-VI, & X

Modern Issues and Trends in Religions

Graduate - Level Competency:

Social Studies Processes, Knowledge, and Skills

GL.4 The learner will develop research skills by selecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information from varied sources in order to effectively communicate using reasoning and sufficient evidence, both orally and in writing.

Course/Grade Competency:

WS.16 The learner will analyze modern issues and trends in religion, including social, political, and economic impacts, by engaging in civil conversations with people of varying perspectives in order to become an engaged global citizen who makes informed decisions.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

Explain and analyze the creation of modern religious movements.
Analyze the connections between beliefs and cultural development, as demonstrated by major world religions.
Discuss the development of the interfaith movement and religious pluralism.
Describe religious fundamentalism and its effect on political issues.
Compare and contrast new religious movements and their opposition.

Standards:

NCSS

I-II, V-VI, & IX-X

AK Cultural

E.1, 7

See the appendix for additional resources.

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