GDECE106: Exploring Human Culture: An Inquiry-Based One-Week Curriculum

GDECE106: Exploring Human Culture: An Inquiry-Based One-Week Curriculum
~2 minutes
Assignment Task

Instruction
Design a one-week curriculum that incorporates inquiry-based approaches to human culture. Base your curriculum on themes from human culture such as history, philosophy, geography or religion. Use theoretical concepts from different perspectives that we have discussed in the class, and critically reflect on the relationship between theories and pedagogy.

Criteria:

A design of one-week curriculum that incorporates inquiry-based approaches to human culture.
Clear basis of curriculum on themes from human culture such as history, philosophy, geography or religion.
Critical reflection of the relationship between theories and pedagogy.
Academic English expression and referencing – APA style.
Minimum 6 references.

This GDECE106–Arts and Humanities Assignment

One-Week Curriculum: Exploring Human Culture Through Religion

Overview:
Religion is a significant aspect of human culture that influences people’s beliefs, values, and behaviors. This one-week curriculum aims to help students explore the role of religion in shaping human culture, and the impact of culture on religious practices. Using an inquiry-based approach, students will examine religious beliefs, practices, and rituals across different cultures and reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. The curriculum is designed for high school students in the social sciences or religious studies.

Day 1: Introduction to Religion and Culture
Objective: To understand the relationship between religion and culture
Activities:

Lecture on the definition of religion and culture
Class discussion on how religion and culture intersect
In-class activity on the influence of culture on religious practices
Day 2: Exploring Religious Beliefs
Objective: To examine religious beliefs across different cultures
Activities:

Reading and analysis of religious texts from different cultures
Small group discussions on the similarities and differences between religious beliefs
Class discussion on how religious beliefs shape cultural practices
Day 3: The Role of Religion in History
Objective: To understand how religion has influenced history
Activities:

Lecture on the impact of religion on historical events
Class discussion on the role of religion in shaping history
In-class activity on the impact of religion on art and literature
Day 4: Religious Diversity and Tolerance
Objective: To reflect on religious diversity and promote tolerance
Activities:

Guest speaker from a different religious community
Small group discussions on religious diversity and tolerance
In-class activity on creating a community of respect and understanding
Day 5: Personal Reflections on Religion and Culture
Objective: To reflect on personal experiences with religion and culture
Activities:

Writing prompt on personal experiences with religion and culture
Sharing personal reflections with the class
In-class activity on how to use inquiry-based approaches to continue exploring religion and culture
Assessment:

Group project on the impact of religion on culture
Personal reflection paper on the role of religion in shaping one’s own culture
Class participation in discussions and activities
Reflection:
This one-week curriculum aims to explore the role of religion in shaping human culture, and the impact of culture on religious practices. The curriculum uses an inquiry-based approach to engage students in examining religious beliefs, practices, and rituals across different cultures. By reflecting on personal experiences with religion and culture, students will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between theories and pedagogy. This curriculum can be adapted for use in different settings and for different age groups, and can be expanded to include more in-depth exploration of specific religions or cultures.

References:

Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Basic Books.
Lincoln, B. (1999). Holy terrors: Thinking about religion after September 11. University of Chicago Press.
Nye, M. J. (2015). Religion: The basics. Routledge.
Smith, J. Z. (1991). Imagining religion: From Babylon to Jonestown. University of Chicago Press.
Tillich, P. (1957). Dynamics of faith. Harper & Row.
Turner, V. W. (1975). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. AldineTransaction.