This paper proposes that U.S. teachers are mostly uninformed and misinformed about the appropriate place of religion on the school campus and in the classroom. Four critical questions are addressed; (1) What does the U.S. Constitution say about education and/or religion? (2) What are the current court decisions regarding specific religious…

In these increasingly rootless and spiritually vacant times, high school students, living through the difficult years of adolescence, have much to gain from Catholic schools, including the opportunity to learn and identify with a venerable religious and moral tradition. This 10 chapter guide outlines the various aspects of teaching religion in…

This book of essays provides a set of reference sources on the field of social studies. The introduction places the discipline in context, connecting it with the society and the world that it helps to explain. The 15 chapters include: (1) "Persistent Issues in the Social Studies" (Stanley P. Wronski); (2) "Reform Revisited: The Story of Elementary…

This packet contains sixth and seventh grade level interdisciplinary lesson outlines about India. Concepts to be developed include: (1) "Geography and Its Impact upon the Development of India's Different Cultures"; (2) "Religion and Philosophy Focusing on Hinduism and Festivals"; (3) "Literature using the Ramayana and…

This unit, intended for high school use, examines the role of women in India as portrayed in selected literature. The books used include: (1) "Women in India: Two Perspectives" (Doranne Jacobson; Susan S. Wadley); (2) "Through Indian Eyes, Volume l. The Wheel of Life" (Donald J. Johnson, Ed.; Jean E. Johnson, Ed.); (3)…

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)

Describes an electronic discussion on three listservs about whether European Americans should teach courses on Native religions; if not, what would result; if so, how to proceed. Responses discuss issues of cultural imperialism and appropriation, academic freedom, cultural property rights and control, qualifications (and disqualifications) for…

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)

Maintains that an effective way to increase student interest in the sociology of religion is to have them engage their own denominational traditions. Asserts that, for this approach to work, the instructor must be equally engaged, equally accountable, and equally vulnerable. (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)

Three courses in the adult education division of Loyola University (Louisiana) combined religious studies and literature appreciation using an interdisciplinary, team-taught approach. Instruction was guided by the metaphor of conversation, first through collegial discussion of the ideas underlying the courses and later, in the classroom, in the…

This report brings together recent research, analysis, and textbook evaluations to explain what lies behind today's school wars over teaching about religion. It concludes that textbook controversies involving religion are an important part of a large cultural debate. Some of the most divisive and important curriculum issues of current times,…

Asserting that fear and misunderstanding about religion in public education precludes reflection and compromise needed to promote societal well-being, this paper examines the current status of religion in U.S. public education and considers implications for policy making and practice. A brief history of religion in public education and two recent…