This document outlines a course on world religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. It discusses essential questions about the foundations and manifestations of religion in society. It also addresses misconceptions about religions and the implications of American freedom on religious identity. The document provides a sitemap and outlines assignments such as a current events journal, digital storytelling, a map of religious sites in the Middle East, and considerations for teaching about religion.

1. Religions of the East St. Mary’s College of Maryland Content Investigations Fall 2010 ~ Buddhism ~ Islam ~ Hinduism ~

2. Essential Questions What are the foundations of religion and how are beliefs manifest in society? What are the persistent misconceptions about each religion? What are the implications imposed by American society for identifying with a particular religion? How does a country’s religious identity affect government?

3. Enduring Understandings Fully understanding government and current events requires an understanding of religious motivations Religion can be viewed as benevolent or malevolent American expressions of freedom can spur violence abroad Nearly every religion has faced periods of oppression – Islam is in that stage right now

4. Website Sitemap Buddhism Beliefs Customs Rituals Subdivisions Hinduism Deities and Texts Holy Days Seven Core Beliefs Ethics Islam Culture Muslim Sects Religious Parallels The Five Pillars https:// sites.google.com/site/religionincivics/home

5. Current Events Journal Ten current events from www.wwrn.org and reflections

6. Digital Story Juxtapose a violent religious current event with a quote from a religious text or spiritual leader Turkey: religious extremists “trying to create an environment of chaos that would force the secular military to overthrow the Islamic-oriented government.” Tajikistan: Radical youth are “a new generation who sees their government as corrupt and morally bankrupt, and Islam as the only real alternative.” Iraq: “Sajjad Kiyayad, 7, said… ‘I will fight the Americans because they are Jewish and unbelievers.’” (Imagine 7:29-10:39)

7. Map of Middle East Religious Sites and Affiliations Visual representation of the religious dynamic in the Middle East Religious sensitivity in the Middle East National identity linked to religion Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria – Sunnis Iran, Iraq, Lebanon – Shi’ites

8. Favorite Resource WorldWide Religious News - www.wwrn.org - Non-Profit Organization Current events from around the world Stratified by continent and religion Reputable news services: BBC, AP

9. Religion in the Classroom Promote tolerance Controversial and sensitive Value American freedoms Important to differentiate between religious foundations and stereotypes Ex. Muslims in France are broadly being labeled as ‘terrorists’ because of recent arrests

10. Future Considerations Teaching Tolerance Historical Roots of Conflicts Optimistic Stories