Religions, Belief Systems & Practices, an Introduction

The major religions of the world answer the same basic questions:Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die?
But how did each one come to be? 

Students will be presented with interactive (Q&A) slides that go over the origin (founders), the basic beliefs, and teachings of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. 

Basic information will be presented using visuals/slides and students will be asked questions along the way. 
Asking questions is greatly encouraged.

As each faith is covered, a basic matrix (chart) will be completed that includes the topics of when, where, who, beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where located etc. 
In order for the instructor to provide feedback, students will be asked to identify similarities between faiths by completing a compare and contrast two paragraph essay.

Brief video clips (less than five minutes) may be shown. 

The three classes will be divided as such:
Day 1: Introduction - mostly a discussion (with presentation) about what purpose all religions serve, their commonalities. Additionally, an overview of religions around the world will be provided. Students will be surveyed to guide the direction of rest of class.(What are you most interested in/curious about?)

Day 2: Hinduism - How does Hinduism answer the basic questions? What are their beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where are they located etc? Discussion, presentation, fill in chart.

Day 3: Judaism- How does Judaism answer the basic questions? What are their beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where are they located etc? Discussion, presentation, fill in chart.

Day 4: Buddhism - How does Buddhism answer the basic questions? What are their beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where are they located etc? Discussion, presentation, fill in chart.

Day 5: Christianity - How does Chirstianity answer the basic questions? What are their beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where are they located etc? Discussion, presentation, fill in chart.

Day 6: Islam - How does Judaism answer the basic questions? What are their beliefs, and teachings, symbols, holy books, holidays, where are they located etc? Discussion, presentation, fill in chart. For grade/feedback, students will submit a compare/contrast essay.

Approximately half of the time will be spent with the teacher presenting and half will be for discussion and questions/answers.
While no prior knowledge of religion is necessary, students should be on at least a sixth grade reading level and be open-minded.

Minimum enrollment of 3 learners required to hold class.