Comparative World Religions

Unit description: Major religions and belief systems developed in the Eastern Hemisphere. There were important similarities and differences between these belief systems. In this unit, students will have the opportunity to explore belief systems and religions developed by complex civilizations and societies that have similar, as well as different, characteristics. Students will also learn about how belief systems and religions are based on sets of mutually held values and how they are often used to unify groups of people, and may affect social order and gender roles.

Standards

Standard: 2; Themes: ID, SOC

Essential Questions and Big Ideas

• Big idea of the unit: Major religions and belief systems developed in the Eastern Hemisphere.
• What character traits are similar and different between civilizations and complex societies?
  • Civilizations and complex societies developed belief systems and religions that have similar, as well as different, characteristics.
• How are the major tenets, practices, and sacred writings or holy texts for each belief system and religion originated?
  • Belief systems and religions are based on sets of mutually held values.
• What effect did belief systems and religions have on uniting groups of people?
  • Belief systems and religions often are used to unify groups of people, and may affect social order and gender roles.

Download the complete Grade 6 Social Studies Unit 4 framework to customize for your own planning.