9.2 Belief Systems

Common core - Global Unit 9.2 - Belief Systems

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9.2 BELIEF SYSTEMS: RISE AND IMPACT: 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. (Standards 2, 3; Themes: ID, SOC) Grades 9-12 Page 12

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.

• • 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.

9.2b Belief systems often were used to unify groups of people and affected social order and gender roles.

• • Students will examine similarities and differences across Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Confucianism regarding their effect on social order and gender roles.

E. The emergence and spread of belief systems.

• 1. Place of origin and major beliefs

     1. Animism—African

     2. Hinduism

     3. Buddhism

     4. Chinese philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism)

     5. Judaism

     6. Christianity

     7. Islam

     8. Legalism

     9. Shintoism

     10. Jainism

  2. Expansion of Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Buddhism

Essential Questions

• Do belief systems unite or divide people?

• How do movements of people and ideas affect people, places, and regions?

• What defines a turning point?

Focus Questions

• • How did the fundamental beliefs and ideas of the religions, philosophies, and belief systems affect different areas of the world?

  • How do these belief systems affect peoples lives today?

  • In what ways are Christianity, Islam and Judaism systems similar and different?

  • How did the religions that emerged in this period unite the peoples of diverse political and ethnic identities?

  • How did religions such as Buddhism and Islam foster cultural exchanges throughout Afro-Eurasia?

  • How did the expansion of Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, and Buddhism encourage the encounter and exchanges of peoples, goods, and ideas?

  • What role did missionaries, traders, and conquerors play in the spread of religions?

  • What individuals and groups are associated with the major religions of the world?

  • What holy books or texts are associated with the major religions of the world?

  • How did a culture’s belief system impact its arts?

  • How did Judaism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam affect gender status, gender roles, and the development of patriarchal societies?