A lesson plan, divided into four learning activities, introduces the topic of Zen Buddhism by presenting one of many possible approaches to the academic study of religion in a secondary setting. The lesson plan is designed for integration into world history, global studies, or sociology classes in secondary schools. Learning activity one focuses…

A basic introduction to Buddhism is provided in this unit of study for high school students. The unit can be taught in social studies, geography, humanities, or religion courses. Time required is two class periods of 45 to 50 minutes each. The unit's objective is to help students gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of Buddhism and its…

While the art of Buddhism has an enduring tradition throughout Asia, this teaching guide focuses on the cultures of three countries in which the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries' collections are particularly strong: India, China, and Japan. The guide identifies grade level appropriateness for some lessons and activities. It contains 15…

This annotated bibliography is a compilation of audio/visual materials related to Jewish and religious studies that are held by the Film Library of Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana). A subject index is followed by an alphabetical listing by title of 206 items. Included in the annotations are: (1) format indications; (2) rental cost; (3)…

Argues that because the cultural composition of the United States is changing, teachers must become better educated in the cultures of the children they teach. Attempts to better prepare educators to deal with children from Buddhist backgrounds. (DB)

A survey course syllabus of Asian philosophy is presented. For each period of dates in the semester course, a reading assignment was made, discussion topics and questions proposed, and supplementary readings and sources suggested. The course focused on Indian philosophy, Buddhism and Hinduism, and Chinese philosophy, specifically Confucian…

This curriculum guide is for a semester length elective course on the world's major religions designed to be used at the 10th grade level in the Newtown Public Schools, Newton, Connecticut. It reviews each religion's origins, historical developments, sacred literature, beliefs, values, and practices while emphasizing the impact of religion on…

Describes how an elementary school teacher incorporated the real-life experiences of an IMAX (Image-Maximum) photography expedition to Mt. Everest into her curriculum. Highlights include geography lessons, math and problem solving, science-related issues, Tibetan Buddhism, and constructing a World Wide Web site. (LRW)

This unit focuses on differing attitudes toward the environment and the philosophies from which those attitudes developed. After finishing this unit, students will: (1) gain an understanding of the concept of "world view"; (2) trace the historical events that created the Western world view; (3) explain the relationship between world view and the…

This high school resource package for the public television series "Healing and the Mind with Bill Moyers" includes: (1) a teacher's guide that provides complete lesson plans for each program in the series; (2) a glossary that features definitions of the terms used in the series; (3) a bibliography containing books of interest to both…

Presents a method for teaching about cultural landscapes in introductory geography classes by comparing Italian Renaissance gardens with Japanese Zen gardens. Discusses the background and attributes of both garden types. Maintains that, by contrasting the two traditions, it is possible to illustrate cultural landscapes. (CFR)

A teaching packet was developed in association with the exhibition, "The Noble Path: Buddhist Art of South Asia and Tibet," held at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., from October 1, 1989 to March 31, 1990. The packet aims to provide students in middle and secondary schools with introductory…

Through Japanses comic strips (called "manga" in Japanese) students can gain an appreciation not only for the different sensibilities of the Japanese but for similarities as well. One unit consists of an essay, a comic strip, frame by frame explanations, and questions for discussion. In total, there are nine units because odd numbers are…

A teaching unit on the Japanese automobile worker was developed from a compilation of on-site interviews with Japanese company managers and production line employees, and official publications of the Japanese car industry. The unit is designed to present a balanced picture of Japan's economic success and labor relations and to develop global…

A resource book for grades 6-8 contains materials to enrich a unit on South Asia. Material is divided into 13 sections. Sections 1-4 outline the rationale, goals, and objectives of the unit. Emphasis is placed on providing background for the understanding of South Asian cultural groups in the United States. Ten objectives are listed, including the…