The Jewish legends which are a major part of Jewish life and literature are the focus of this study guide for teachers. Excerpts from a lecture on Jewish legends are followed by suggestions for classroom activities, discussion topics related to the study of Jewish legends, and a bibliography for both teachers and students on Jewish legend and…

Although efforts to teach peaceful attitudes and behaviors have been documented in many countries, those very institutions centrally concerned with education have proven themselves ineffective in educating citizens to better learn to live together. This paper addresses peace education from the perspective of the Baha'i faith, which has concerned…

In this essay I reflect on my experience thus far of teaching Islam as a non-Muslim at Metropolitan State University and at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. I begin by narrating a conversation about conversation that I had with one of my Muslim students. Then I introduce the theme of multiplicity as a way of…

This study investigates the Shaker educational system, analyzes the development of Shaker schools, and examines the innovative practices that the Shakers used to ready children for the world of their time. Originating in England among illiterate working class people, the movement was established in New England in 1774. Basic characteristics of the…

The two week course on comparative religions for secondary grade students consists of nine mini-packets. Course objectives for each student are to write a paragraph explaining the fundamental doctrines and concepts of the world religions that he chooses to study and to list the name and address of specific places of worship in the county in which…

Presents a method of teaching liturgical texts, related to the lectionary. Describes Bernard L. Lee's shared homily method based on Hans-Georg Gadamer's hermeneutical movements. Illustrates how Lee's homiletic method can be adapted into a disciplined conversation with the text for use in other religious instruction. (DB)

This paper reports a study of curriculum and teaching methods in 10 Old Order Mennonite one-room schools in Pennsylvania. It provides a review of the historical background and cultural characteristics of the Old Order Mennonites. The one-room schools examined in the study are similar in structure and instruction to U.S. public one-room schools of…

The guidebook contains curriculum ideas, learning experiences, and resources for teaching civics and community responsibility to Jewish youth from grades one to 12. Its contents are applicable for all types of Jewish schools, including congregational and communal, day, afternoon, and weekend. There are four major sections. Section one, a civics…

The church school teacher has the ability to strengthen or weaken the overall effectiveness of the church school program. In many cases, loss of interest, church school dropout, and the decline of the church school result from poor teaching. A model is proposed that can address the problem of the declining church school through a teaching and…

Describes several programs in which music and dance are used to unlock doors that stereotypes of race, gender, language, religion, or ability have kept shut. Exposure to the music and dance of other cultures helps children's awareness of the diversity of the world and people's essential similarities. (SLD)

This packet, developed by the Public Education Religion Studies Center (PERSC), provides the classroom teacher with materials which are helpful in designing and teaching courses or units on world religions. For a description of the purpose and activities of PERSC see related document SO 008 363. The packet contains three articles by nationally…

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)

The relevance to the United States of the multicultural experience in Lebanon is discussed. The Lebanese experience highlights the difficulties segregationist multiculturalism can present to developing a common national culture. It is important to recognize the fluid nature of culture and the possibility of its transformation when implementing…

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)