Humanities 8: World Religions Project

World Religions Project

Name:______Religion: ______

In this research project, you will become an expert on one of the five major world religions. You will be part of a group that works together to create a Google Slides Presentation and put together a memorable oral class presentation all about your religion. You will be responsible for teaching the rest of the class all about your religion. The religions we will study are:

Buddhism Hinduism Islam Judaism Christianity

STEP 1: RESEARCH After you have been assigned your religion, you and your group members will begin researching the provided subtopics using the Chromebooks. You will decide among you how exactly you will divide the work, but everyone will receive an individual grade for this project.

The format is as follows:  Cover Page: Name of Religion/Group member names  Origins/Founder  Geographic Map/Timeline  Beliefs, Teachings, and Worship  Symbols of Worship, Holy Book and Places of Worship  Religious Rituals, Festivals  Religious Persecutions  Bibliography Page

STEP 2: SHARED GOOGLE SLIDES PRESENTATION  Each person is responsible for their own subtopic.  You MUST use your Dearborn Google account (not personal emails).  Each member is responsible for contributing at least three small pictures/diagrams/photos for subtopics.  Every website you utilize in your research MUST be included in the bibliography page.  Your group is to SHARE your presentation with me digitally ONE time only when completely finished. Send to [email protected]  Share due Date: Friday, 9-18-15 11:59 p.m.

STEP 3: ORAL PRESENTATION As a group, plan a class presentation of your religion.  Your presentation should be approximately 10 minutes long.  Remember to cover only the most important points of your religion, not every single detail (this is where your summarizing and paraphrasing skills will come in handy!).  Each person must contribute to the presentation. You will receive an individual mark for your speaking/presenting skills.  Try to make the presentation interesting, or even unusual, so people remember the facts about your religion. If you wish, you may teach the class through a skit or play, as long as you make sure to get the basic facts across!  Groups will present on Monday and Tuesday before break.

 During presentations, you will be required to take notes on other religions that you did not research. Make sure to pay close attention because you will be quizzed on all the religions!

Criteria:

You will be evaluated on:  Research/bibliography  Google Slides format  Presentation skills  Self/peer evaluations  Work habits  Note taking submission

Topic 1: Founder/Origin Group Member______

Include biographical information on the founder of the religion. For Hinduism do the process of the religion’s origins. Include the following content:  How did it begin? Provide information outlining your religion’s history.  Name of founder  Location of origin  Date of birth/death  Actions or journeys of founder  How did beliefs of founder contrast with popular beliefs at the time?  What problems arose from this contrast in beliefs?  Name one other key figure, modern or historical, of this religion. Indicate 5 key points regarding this person’s life and their contributions to the religion.

Topic 2: Geographic Map of Religion Today and Timeline Group Member______

Map  Describe climate/topography of the region  Complete a map showing the country of origin. Clearly indicate location.  Indicate other parts of the world where the religion is practiced today.  Identify and locate any holy places specific to your religion. Label them on a map and explain their significance/history. Timeline Create a timeline of 7-10 major religious events in the history of the religion. They may include period of origin, new leaders, battles, periods of defeat or suffering, new religion ideas etc.  Proper scale  Significant dates are visible  Effective use of color and graphics  Brief summary of events and their significance in point form

Topic 3: Beliefs, Teachings, and Worship Group Member______

 What are major beliefs and/or teachings of this religion?  What deities (god or gods) do the people of this religion believe in?  What do the deities represent?  If there are no gods in this religion, explain why.  How do groups and individuals who believe in this religion worship?  How do these people pray? o To whom do they pray? o What sorts of things do they pray for? o How often do they pray? o Do they pray publicly or privately?  Who are the people that lead the faithful in worship? o What is their title? o What do they do to lead the faithful in worship? o What is their role in the religion?

Topic 4: Symbols of Worship, Holy Book and Places of Worship Group Member______Symbols  What is the major symbol associated with this religion?  What meaning(s) does it represent?

Holy Book  Origin/author/creator  Book title  Sample of a sacred/important story  How is this holy book used in daily life?  Are there variations of this holy book within the religion?

Places of Worship  Name of worship building  Size and shape symbolism  Any significant design or sculpture features  Any rules/customs that members have to follow

Topic 5: Religious Rituals, Festivals Group Member______

Explain three important rituals, customs, confirmations or rites of passage that are performed and practiced by members of the religion. Include the following:  Describe specific details of the custom  When is the ritual performed  Who is involved  Importance to followers Explain three important festivals that people in this religion celebrate.  What are the key features of the festival?  Why is it celebrated?  Are there important foods related to the festival? If so, what are they?  Where is the festival celebrated? Do the people have to go to a special place?  How long is the festival?  Is special clothing or costumes associated with this festival? Topic 6: Religious Persecutions Group Member______

 Define religious persecution  Over the course of history, indicate three examples of persecution against your assigned religion o At the time of origin of the religion o Within the last 100 years of the religion o Within the last 10 years of the religion  Summarize events leading to persecution.  When did it happen?  Who are the culprits?  Who are the victims?  Include a map of where it occurred  How did society respond to the persecution?