Hinduism

Hinduism is the term used to refer to the vast diversity of religious practice on the Indian sub-continent. It is important for students to realize that Hinduism is not a religion like Catholicism that has a single founding figure who existed in a clearly definable historical moment, a clearly defined doctrinal system and a formal leadership structure. Instead, Hinduism is an organic development that reaches back to the earliest experience of human settlement on the Indian subcontinent. 'Hindu' practices and beliefs differ from region to region and often from village to village. The multiplicity of the Hindu universe can be challenging to the teenage mind that wants very much to understand the world in clear and simple terms. Focusing on historical context, fundamental doctrine and ritual practice can, hopefully, help students embrace the diversity that makes Hinduism unique.

Under History, you will find four lesson plans:

an activity to introduce students to the geography of Asia
a series of questions to help students connect geography to the development of civilization
a slide lecture introducing students to archaeology and what it can tell us about the Indus Valley Civilization
an introduction to Indo-Aryan culture through a close reading of the Rig Veda

Under Philosophy, you will find three lesson plans:

an introduction to fundamental concepts and questions in Hinduism
a selection from an Upanishad that provides students with usefull metaphors for understanding hte Hindu world-view
a set of questions to help students do a close reading of the Bhagavad Gita and to consider the relationship between religious belief and social order

Under Practice, you will find three lesson plans:

an introduction to the iconography of the Hindu pantheon
a slide lecture on daily ritual and pilgrimage
a capstone activity that turns the Hindu universe into a board game