Casting their eyes toward the rich, arable lands of Pennsylvania, members of the Moravian religious community purchased a 500-acre tract of land north of Philadelphia in 1741. There, along the Lehigh River, they organized and built the communal society of Bethlehem, which became the base location for all Moravian missionary activity in North…

Describes a Jewish teacher's presentation on Hanukkah for a group of Gentile elementary students. The presentation covers the history of the holiday as well as activities involving toys, food, and memorabilia. Includes a list of resources for teaching about Hanukkah. (MJP)

Maintains that each new generation strives to define itself and the nation. Presents a lesson plan focusing on legal issues and principles related to cultural diversity. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and two student handout sheets. (CFR)

Maintains that most history teachers perpetuate the stereotype of the Puritans of colonial history as a dour, austere, intolerant group. Contends that recent historiography indicates that the Puritans laughed, treated Native Americans and African Americans with respect, and enjoyed music and other cultural pleasures. (CFR)

Describes the significance of religion in India to illustrate the importance of religious beliefs as major determinants of human behavior throughout world history. Contends that the world history course provides many opportunities to help students learn about religions and religious beliefs. (CFR)

Asserts that understanding cross-cultural issues has become one of the most important concepts in multicultural education. Presents two pairs of artworks that each juxtapose African and European religious traditions. Includes four full-page, color depictions of the artworks and teaching suggestions. (CFR)

The Student Text begins with a comparison of Eastern and Western World Religions. The three interrelated Abrahamic faiths are compared with Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Subsequent chapter titles are: "New Religions,""Religion and Morality,""Religion and Science,""Religion and Human Life,""A Historical Perspective" and "Getting Together." An…

Any program used to teach about religion in the social studies must meet certain criteria. The materials must be socially significant and suitable to the classroom. The teaching strategy must promote genuine learning, taking every safeguard to prevent indoctrination. Only then is the public school teacher warranted, legally and morally, to…

Italian-Americans such as industrialist Lee Iacocca, architect Robert Venturi, film-maker Brian De Palma, and writer Gay Talese have contributed to the emergence of ethnic groups as a major force in the cultural and business life of the United States. What is not widely appreciated, however, is the cultural, religious, craft, and family base which…

The small rural town of Bethlehem, Connecticut, contains pristine examples of modest 18th-century houses that surround a charming village green. Opposite the village green, the Reverend Joseph Bellamy's immense white clapboard house rises from a hilltop, an imposing presence that makes the village appear diminutive. The house stands today as a…

Considers some of the specific problems and possibilities inherent in the combination of adult education and religious education. Warns of the dangers of assuming a shared knowledge base among adults. Identifies three components of religious education as knowledge, authenticity, and meaning. (MJP)

Maintains that exposing the historical roots of self, other, and cultural traditions is a prerequisite for any effort at interreligious education or any education that penetrates cultural boundaries. Discusses how this perspective can inform future planning and implementation of interreligious educational efforts. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components essential to the construction of an interfaith dialog as a transformative experience: (1) study and reflection with and in the presence of the other; (2) an ongoing reevaluation of self-understanding in light of new information; and (3) formal and informal sharing of truths. (MJP)

Presents historical background material on the ethnic struggles in the former Yugoslavia, particularly Bosnia-Herzegovina. Offers teaching suggestions including a paired writing activity and follow-up discussion questions. Includes a chronological table of events from the 6th century A.D. to 1994. (CFR)

Asserts that increased numbers of immigrants to Israel create problems caused by cultural differences. Describes an inservice workshop on cultural literacy and minimum academic achievement presented to 15 Israeli teachers. Includes a table of sample items from topics considered part of Israeli cultural literacy. (CFR)