Social Studies Middle School Guide

Unit 3

World Religions

PACING

THEME(S)

3-4 Weeks This is recommended for the weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break.

A Note About Themes

Conflict Compromise Progress

UNIT OVERVIEW

Students will compare how the transformation and changes of the post-classical era (c.500 - c.1500) set in motion the expansion of knowledge through science, language, writing, religion , and technological innovations. They will understand how this created and encouraged a global interconnectedness between distant societies and civilizations that ripples into modern history. UTAH STANDARDS World History 6.1.2 Throughout their study of world history, recognize the origins of major world religions (including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism). Evaluate the role religion played in the development of civilizations, colonization, imperialism, and independence movements. World History 6.2.1 Summarize key tenets of the major world religions (including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism) POSSIBLE GUIDING AND INQUIRY QUESTIONS ● What role does religion play in the cultural expression of a civilization? ● How do ideas and belief systems unite or divide groups of people? ● How are ideas and belief systems a driving force in history? ● How can we explain the central role religion has played in human history? (e.g. the arts, architecture, government, education, family structure) VOCABULARY

Clergy Crusade Excommunicate

Polytheism Prophet Religion

Holy Land Monarchy Monotheism

Sacred Temple