5.+Belief+Systems

= Day 1: Introduce religion in India =


 * Essential Questions: **
 * 1. How have systems of belief shaped India? **
 * 2. To what extent does religion define one’s identity? **
 * 3. Why and how does religion develop? **
 * 4. Compare and contrast different religions that have played a role in the history of India. **

In this unit you will learn about the various religions that have been (some currently) practiced in India. You will be expected to understand the basic foundations, rules, and the religion's story in India.
 * Indian Religions: **

Reminder of Buddhism's impact on Mauryan Empire: media type="custom" key="25799438" Foundations of Islam: media type="custom" key="25799440"

Major Religions to know about: Coverage of the major religions of India: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam (Sufism), Sikhism and other religions practiced in India (Bahai, Christianity, Zorastrianism etc.)


 * Infographic Project: ** You will make an online poster using Infograph (or a physical poster on paper) about the religion you are assigned, which will be linked to this page. OR you may choose to make a physical poster if you are more comfortable using that format.


 * Requirements: **
 * 1. How did the religion start? What is the story of the religion? **
 * 2. How did the religion come to India if it didn't originate there? **
 * 3. How has the religion shaped life IN India? Choose an aspect of history or a personal story about someone who practices the religion in India to share. **

[|infogr.am] [|Infographics Showcase] [|How to create an infograph in 30 minutes] [|Cool site with infographic templates] [|Description of Infographic Assignment]


 * [|Example Infographic] **

[|Infographic Rubric]


 * Other resources about each religion can be found on this link **


 * Once you are finished with your infographic/poster, you must explain the history of the religion IN India. How did the religion come to India? What impact has it had on the lives of people IN India? **


 * You will present your infographic AND response to the question next class. **

= Day 2: Review posters/infographics/Connect to the EQs for the unit:  =

After the presentations are done, choose one of the EQs for this unit to respond to using at least one other religion besides the one you presented on as evidence to support your response. **Post your response on the community:**


 * 1. How have systems of belief shaped India? **


 * 2. To what extent does religion define one’s identity? **


 * 3. Why and how does religion develop? **


 * 4. Compare and contrast different religions that have played a role in the history of India. **

1. What did you find especially interesting about your visit to the Birla Mandir? 2. Respectfully watch someone "worship". Take note of what they do. Why do you think they go through this process? 3. How might visiting this temple impact someone's view of life in India? Explain how it influenced your view of India.
 * Homework: [|Also, read through this post about how to be respectful at a Hindu Temple]**
 * AND read through this page about the [|Laxmi Narayan Temple] and this [|blog post about the temple] and answer the questions below:**
 * 1. Why do you think there are so many different gods represented in this temple? Is this unusual for a Hindu temple? Why or why not**
 * 2. What is significant about allowing all castes to enter this temple? What is the history behind this decision to allow all castes to enter?**
 * Also write down the reflection questions on paper with space to answer them for the field trip next class:**
 * Reflection questions: **

= Day 3: Field Trip! = 1. What did you find especially interesting about your visit to the Birla Mandir? 2. Respectfully watch someone "worship". Take note of what they do. Why do you think they go through this process? 3. How might visiting this temple impact someone's view of life in India? Explain how it influenced your view of India.
 * Reflection questions: **

= Day 4: Review Religions: =

1. **[|Presentation on rules of MAIN religions in India]**

2. **Poster Presentations**

3. **Follow up activity:** Watch the videos below and answer **2 of** the following essential questions for the course based on what you see. Post your response to the community.

1. What does it mean to be Indian?

2. How has India's diversity affected its history and how has its history affected its diversity?

3. How have belief systems shaped India?

media type="custom" key="25799452"

Have a Little Faith: How are religions that originated in India practiced in the US? How to meditate: media type="youtube" key="zWX4MJ2Fxeg" width="560" height="315"

Buddhism in L.A.: media type="youtube" key="8ORErnXlS-A" width="560" height="315"

Hinduism: media type="youtube" key="v-NzVIwyZso" width="560" height="315"

Baha'i: media type="youtube" key="0qQLkT9Q8yM" width="560" height="315"

Zoroastrianism in India: media type="youtube" key="0Yje9ew-qHQ" width="420" height="315"

Jainism: If you can find a better video, let me know! media type="youtube" key="M-3e30oOvAY" width="560" height="315"


 * HW: Answer the following: How have belief systems shaped India? Use 2 religions as examples in your response. Post to the google community.**

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