Unit 2: Gotta Have Faith

The Rise of World Religions (2500 BCE-1500 CE)

In this unit you will learn that religion is an organized collection of beliefs and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. We will study how religions transcend borders and vary in membership, tradition and concentration. It will become evident that major religions emerged, spread and defined culture, and that the similarities and differences in world religions play an essential role in both uniting and dividing people. Finally, you will examine the various structures and monuments followers have built for worship ceremonies and for celebrating, protecting and enhancing rituals.

Unit Essential Questions:

1. What is religion and why did it emerge?

2. Where did the major world religions originate?

3. Where in the world did the major religions spread?

4. What are the similarities and differences among religions?

5. How do religions play a crucial role in both uniting and dividing peoples?

Standards:

8.1.9.A: Compare patterns of continuity and change over time, applying context of events.
8.1.9.B: Compare the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.4.9.A: Compare the role groups and individuals played in the social, political, cultural, and economic development throughout world history.
8.4.9.B: Contrast the importance of historical documents, artifacts, and sites which are critical to world history.
8.4.9.C: Analyze how continuity and change have impacted world history: Belief systems and religions
CC.8.5.9-10.I: Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary sources.
CC.8.6.9-10.E: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
CC.CS.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social studies.
CC.PD.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience.

Unit Key Vocabulary:

belief system, religion, philosophy, polytheistic, monotheistic, secular, pious, deity, salvation, piety, filial piety, virtue, ritual, reincarnation, monk, nun, messiah, apostle, disciple, missionary, gospel, parable, exodus, persecution, enlightened, nirvana, Brahman, karma, dharma, moksha, samsara, 4 Noble Truths, ahimsa, caste, stupa, Untouchables, Qur'an, prophet, 5 Pillars, Hebrews, Torah, Talmud, Bible, Upanishads, commandment, covenant Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Abraham, Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Siddhartha Gautama, Holy Land, Palestine, Mecca, Medina

Resources:

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