During this unit we will – Further your understanding of the major belief systems that have dominated civilization for thousands of yeas.

Engage in a variety of group activities

Successfully complete several Graphic Organizers

Successfully complete a unit notes packet

Examine several primary source documents

Successfully complete several DBQ assignment

Successfully complete one Unit exam, which will include one thematic essay

Have fun and share a few laughs

Do Now!!!What is a belief system?

Do Now, Now!!!

How many belief systems can you name?

TTYNTTYN – Talk to your neighbor

Animis

m

Hinduism

Christianity

Judaism

Islam

Buddhism

Confuciani

sm

Taoism

Caste System

Hinduism

The Caste System is a rigid class structure based on Hinduism which is found in India. It is believed that if one leads a good life, following good karma and dharma, then they will be rewarded by being reincarnated as a person belonging to the next highest level in the Caste System. However, if one is wicked during their life, they will be demoted, and possibly even removed from the Caste System altogether. Outcasts, or Untouchables, are members of Hindu society thought to have been removed from the Caste System, with no hope of returning to it, due to their misdeeds in previous lives. Work that is deemed unclean for all other Hindus is reserved for these Outcasts.

Caste System

Hinduism Complete on page 9 of Notes Packet

Hinduism

Caste SystemThe caste system is an important part of Hinduism. Caste are social groups into which people are born and out of which they cannot move during a lifetime.

In Next LifeIn This Life

A PersonIs born into

a caste

If good and obeys caste rules

If bad and breaks caste rules

Higher Caste

Lower Caste

Complete on page 10 of Notes Packet

Buddhism

Buddhism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with some of the important facts regarding Buddhism

FounderSiddharth Gautama

AKA Buddha

JudaismDo Now (TTYN)

Describe monotheistic and polytheistic

Judaism is the oldest known monotheistic religion still practiced in the world today. Its fundamental teachings have been influential and are the basis for more recently developed religions such as Christianity and Islam

Geography

FounderAbraham is generally recognized as the founder of  Judaism due to his covenant with God. However, Moses is also considered a founder due to his role in the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt, and his delivery of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai sometime around 2000 BCE.

Sacred Text

The Tanakh – The 1st 5 books comprise the Torah

Vocab: Define Covenant

JudaismThe World of Hebrews

The Hebrews were among the many people who occupied the Fertile Crescent. As a consequence of this contact, they slowly developed their own ideas and beliefs.

One of those beliefs was the belief in one God and that God was taking a hand in their development, which was subsequently recorded in what is known as the Torah – their most sacred text. The Jews were a nomadic people who originally settled in Mesopotamia. Eventually, they would migrate to what is present-day Palestine. By 1000 B.C. the Hebrews had established the kingdom of Israel.

JudaismJudaism—basic facts/history

What is the role of a Rabbi?They do not have specific powers in the Torah, but the Talmud gives them the authority to interpret it. He is someone who has learned the Torah, a teacher and a leader in ceremonies held in Jewish synagogues.

TalmudThe Talmud is viewed as an “Oral Torah” written in the early first century. It is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history.

What does “kosher” mean?Kosher foods are “fit” according to Jewish law, meaning the way in which an animal is slaughtered. Other examples include vegetables being inspected for insects, and carefully separating meat and dairy products from one another.

Judaism

Judaism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Judaism

Secred TextThe Torah

Islam

Complete on page 13 in Notes Packet

Timeline and Founder

Geography

Founded by Muhammad, he was troubled with the greed of wealthy citizens. In 610 he experienced a revelation. He heard a voice proclaiming one true god, Allah.

Sacred Text

The Koran or Quran

Islam

ChristianityJews and the Roman Empire

Gradually, Rome tolerated the varied religious

traditions

By 63 BCE, Rome had conquered Palestine

Zealots called on Jews to revolt against the

Roman’s and create their own Jewish State

Jews believed that a messiah, or savior sent by

God, would soon appear to lead the Jewish people to

freedom

Skip ahead to 313 AD, Constantine issued the Edict

of Milan

Granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the

Roman Empire Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire

Christianity

Writing Exercises: Belief Systems

Complete on page 16 of Notes Packet

Compare and contrast Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. How was religious expansion a part of wider cultural diffusion? Explain how conquerors, missionaries, and traders contributed to the spread of religions.

ConfucianismConfucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty (500BC), when there was mass disorder and confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism.

Kong Fu Zi, which was translated as Confucius by Europeans

Founder

Significant Writings-The Analects.

Sacred Text

Taoism

Taoism

Lao Tzu: Was born around 640 B.C. No one is really sure about any dates or places.

Founder

Tao Te Ching

Sacred Text

The Tao Te Ching is in effect the Taoist bible.

It centers around the concept of Tao. Or the “path”

DBQ Document 2: FROM THE BOOK OF LAO ZI, A DAOIST PHILOSOPHER

The best rulers are those that people do not even know exist.The next best are those who people love and praise.The next are those who people fear,The next are those who people despise.The best rulers seldom issue any orders.

1. What are two characteristics Lao Zi considered “best” for a ruler?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What was the purpose of this little speech?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Document 1: A CONFUCIAN SAYING

The Master said. “Rule over them with dignity and they will be respectful; treat them withkindness and they will do their best; raise the good and instruct those who are backward and they willbe filled with happiness.”-Confucius

1. List three characteristics Confucius thought a good ruler should possess.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below, and a conclusion.

Theme: Belief Systems

Task:

There are a variety of belief systems practiced throughout the world today. Many of these beliefs have developed massive followings, and as a result, have had a considerable amount of influence on culture in the areas where they are practiced.

Choose two belief systems from your study of global history, and for each one: •Identify the nation or region where it was founded. •Describe two basic teachings of the belief system.•Discuss how the belief system has influenced the culture of the areas in which it is currently practiced

You may use any example from your study of global history. Do not use the United States in your answer. Some suggestions that you may wish to consider include: Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam Buddhism, Shinto, Animism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

Thematic Essay