Amish music has its roots in Mennonite history and music. To study a selected piece of Amish music, one should first understand the heritage of the music that demonstrates the constancy of the Amish traditions. With that in mind, a brief history of the Mennonites and Amish is offered including information about their music. The Mennonite hymn…

California State Standard 5.4 is delineated as: Students understand the political, religious, social, and economic institutions that evolved in the colonial era. Understanding the historical contributions of religion and key elements of world religions is essential to a complete knowledge of America's civilization and to being a well educated…

Drawing on presentations and informal discussions from a gathering at the University of Dayton (Ohio) in 1995, this book examines Catholic secondary education and campus ministry. Following a foreword by Mary Frances Taymans, the booklet includes three essays: "Patterns and Possibilities" (James Heft); "Conversation as a Mode of…

This packet describes how a culture kit can be used to engage students in active learning. While using the kit and poster lessons, students will improve their skills of observation, valuing and analysis. Activities include: (1) a "What is it?" game of exploration of cultural items; (2) poster lessons depicting Indian food, gods and…

This packet contains teaching ideas for a unit on India. It is based on a series of interviews of people from India and directs students to develop a museum kit from the research. The packet begins with a unit on the United Nations and uses India as the model country for students to write their own projects. Questions for consideration are…

Discusses how to build a parish library collection. Highlights include fund raising developing a mission statement and proposal, materials evaluation and selection, user "needs" and "wants" lists, sources of free or low-cost books, and audio-visuals. (AEF)

Explores how to teach religion in the social studies classroom in public schools. Asserts that religion should be taught to educate children about beliefs that differ from their own and about the role of religion in U.S. society. Provides suggestions for teaching about religion to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. (CMK)

Presents observations concerning religion study in 150 Moscow schools. Reports that, although there are still some extracurricular activities promoting traditional former Soviet atheistic ideology, religion is now taught openly. Indicates that religion and atheism also are being studied on a scientific-philosophical basis. Examines how various…

Describes the implementation of a humanities-based curriculum for all ninth and tenth grade students at St. Michael's Academy (Austin, Texas). The ninth grade core is thematically organized, integrating the study of English and religion. The sophomore core integrates world history, world literature, and comparative religions. Describes sample…

Offers a perspective on the challenge teachers face with the question of religion's role in the public schools. Discusses seven guidelines for curricular decision making. Cautions against seeking absolute solutions to the questions that will continue to surround the religious liberty provisions of the First Amendment. (DB)

Uses participatory ethnography to interview lay persons about the role of religion and the church in personal meaning-making. Probes the motives that call people to theology, the theological methods people use, how people engage in religious knowing, and how the church helps these efforts. Suggests shortcomings in present religious education. (DSK)

This document outlines a slide presentation on Southeast Asia with primary emphasis on Indonesia. How international trade has influenced the design and development of Indonesian arts, crafts, and architecture are main points of interest. A geographical overview of Indonesia is described along with its natural resources, population, and religious…

This guidebook is built on the conviction that finding common ground on many divisive issues is possible within the civic framework provided by the Religious Liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It argues that there is a clearly defined constitutional difference between "teaching religion" to students and "teaching…

This curriculum guide was developed to assist middle-school students in understanding the complexity of India. A slide presentation is used in combination with several activities for interdisciplinary study of India through literature and social studies. A comprehensive bibliography provides suggestions for further reading. Sections of the guide…

This handbook makes clear what the legal rights and responsibilities of California teachers and students are with regard to moral and civic education. For example, the duty of teachers concerning the instruction of pupils in ethics, morals, manners, religion and democratic principles is explained through discussion of the values that teachers are…