What does religious studies education aim to teach? For years, this question has confounded educators and policymakers within the United States. To exacerbate matters, a common yet problematic narrative has emerged: content knowledge and skills are at odds with each other. In one camp, the story goes, are those who emphasize the…

Contends that a full and balanced education in the social studies requires study about religion and religious issues. Describes an elective course in world religions for high school students. Includes course objectives, course outline, teaching methods, and instructional materials. Addresses the issue of the controversial nature of teaching about…

Provides guidelines for successful classroom teaching about religion. Contends that teachers must be free of advocacy and that teachers should not solicit information about students religious affiliation. Encourages teachers to avoid the pitfalls of relativism and reductionism when discussing religion. (DB)

Provides a reference guide on religious materials in the public school library. Argues that social studies teachers can integrate references on religion into their teaching while respecting the freedom of conscience of their students. Identifies documents, fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, and the appropriate section of the Dewey Decimal…

Recounts how participation in various summer teacher workshops gave the author access to materials for use in teaching about the religious influences in U.S. history. Relates that the National Archives'"Primarily Teaching" workshop revealed primary source documents representing every period in U.S. history. Provides ways these historical…

Discusses religious influences on nineteenth-century voting behaviors. Demonstrates how such historiographic information might be integrated into standard teaching on this period. Contends this integration of religious materials will promote student understanding of the role of religion in U.S. history. Points out that historiographical study can…

States that religion is appropriately taught in world history and literature and that religion is missing from world history textbooks. Contends that, to be well educated, a person needs to be familiar with the various religions of the world. Stresses religion can be taught in nonindoctrinative ways. (DB)

Describes summer institutes funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and offered by the University of Florida and designed for Florida teachers whose courses include topics about religion. Notes that the Supreme Court has endorsed teaching about religion where appropriate. (DB)