This course provides students with opportunities to explore various world religions and belief
traditions. Students will develop knowledge of the terms and concepts relevant to this area of
study, will examine the ways in which religions and belief traditions meet various human
needs, and will learn about the relationship between belief and action. They will examine
sacred writings and teachings, consider how concepts of time and place influence different
religions and belief traditions, and develop research and inquiry skills related to the study of
human expressions of belief.
By the end of this course, students develop the following skills in these different areas:
| 1. Research and inquiry skills | |
| 1.1 | Exploring: explore topics related to world religions and belief traditions, and formulate questions to guide their research; |
| 1.2 | Investigating: create research plans, and locate and select information relevant to their chosen topics, using appropriate social science research and inquiry methods; |
| 1.3 | Processing Information: assess, record, analyse, and synthesize information gathered through research and inquiry |
| 1.4 | Communicating and Reflecting: communicate the results of their research and inquiry clearly and effectively, and reflect on and evaluate their research, inquiry, and communication skills. |
| 2. Approaches to the study of the Sacred | |
| 2.1 | Why Study World Religions and Belief Traditions?: demonstrate an understanding of various reasons for the study of world religions and belief traditions; |
| 2.2 | Terms and Concepts in the Study of the Sacred: demonstrate an understanding of terms and concepts related to the study of world religions and belief traditions; |
| 2.3 | Approaches: demonstrate an understanding and assess the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to the study of world religions and belief traditions. |
| 3. Religious and spiritual impulse | |
| 3.1 | Functions of Human Belief Traditions: explain some of the ways people use religions and belief traditions to meet human needs |
| 3.2 | The Search for Meaning: analyse ways in which various religions and belief traditions conceptualize the journey of life as a spiritual journey and quest for meaning. |
| 4. Sacred teachings and principles | |
| 4.1 | Tenets, Practices, and Teachings: outline the central tenets, practices, and teachings of various religions and belief traditions |
| 4.2 | Sacred Writings and Oral Teachings: analyse the role of sacred writings and oral teachings in various religions and belief traditions; |
| 4.3 | Prescribed Roles and Influential Figures: analyse how individuals with specific roles have influenced the development of various religions and belief traditions. |
| 5. Rites and observance | |
| 5.1 | Daily Living as Sacred Reality: demonstrate an understanding of the type of daily observances associated with various religions and belief traditions and of the role of these observances in the lives of adherents |
| 5.2 | Rites and Rituals: demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which rituals and rites reflect the understandings and principles of various religions and belief traditions. |
| Time Allocated | Online/Offline Component | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Unit 1: Exploring Religion and Spirituality: Answering Life’s Big Questions | ||
This course is founded upon a perspective of respect and openness to all beliefs, with the aim of fostering tolerance and understanding. As we explore different religious and spiritual traditions, we will develop a deeper understanding of their unique concepts and practices. Through this exploration, we will begin to answer fundamental questions such as the nature of God, what happens after we die, and the existence of heaven and hell. While we may not arrive at definitive answers, we will gain the tools necessary to begin forming our own ideas about the role of religion and spirituality in human civilization. By engaging with these important questions, we will expand our understanding of the world and deepen our appreciation for the diversity of human experience | 15 hours | (10 hrs online/5 hrs offline) |
| 2. Unit 2: The Evolution of Religious Literature and its Impact on Society | ||
Through the study of religious literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the beliefs and traditions of different faiths have been expressed and transmitted over time. From ancient texts like the Hindu Sutras and Buddhist Rolls to more recent works in Christianity, religious literature has played a vital role in shaping human behavior and culture. In this unit, we will explore the evolution of religious literature, examining the ways in which it has been used to convey religious teachings, stories, and beliefs. By analyzing different forms of religious literature, we will gain insight into the diversity of religious expression and the ways in which it has influenced human societies. | 17 hours | (10 hrs online/7 hrs offline) |
| 3. Unit 3: Expressions of Belief: Celebrations, Rituals and Symbols in Religion | ||
Religion and spirituality are fundamental aspects of human culture, and they are often expressed through celebrations, rituals, icons, and symbols. These expressions serve as important markers of identity and values for different religions and spiritual practices. In this unit, we will explore how different religions and spiritual practices use celebrations, rituals, icons, and symbols to represent their unique beliefs and values. We will also examine how these expressions have been used throughout history to mark significant moments and to shape human culture and identity. Through this exploration, we will gain a deeper understanding of the role of religion and spirituality in shaping our worldviews and our understanding of ourselves and others. | 13 hours | (7 hrs online/6 hrs offline) |
| 4. Unit 4: Core Values in Religion and Belief Systems: Exploring Canadian Perspectives | ||
In this unit, we will examine the values and beliefs that are central to various religions and belief systems. Through comparative analysis, we will explore the similarities and differences in these core values across different religions and belief systems. Additionally, we will examine the concept of religious and spiritual freedom in Canada, including its historical development and its relationship with Canadian laws and charters of rights and freedoms. We will also assess the impact of religious beliefs on Canadian healthcare, education, and legal systems, as well as the influence of Canadian laws on the relationship between religious groups and the state. Through our analysis, we will debunk common misconceptions about different religions and belief systems and explore how they are reflected in civil ceremonies and popular culture. Finally, we will develop and support our own position on various ethical and social issues related to religious freedom and its place in Canadian society. By the end of this unit, students will have developed the skills necessary to research, structure, and write an effective argumentative essay. | 15 hours | (10 hrs online/5 hrs offline) |
| 5. Independent Study Unit | ||
Students will demonstrate their understanding of how a given religion or belief system is regarded in contemporary society. Students will select one religion or belief tradition studied in the course and explore its current role, perception, and influence within today’s world. They will conduct in-depth research to examine how the religion is portrayed in media, understood by the public, practiced by adherents, and involved in social or political issues. Students will analyze both positive and negative perspectives, draw on a variety of credible sources, and present their findings in an argumentative essay. Through this assignment, students will develop their research, critical thinking, and communication skills while gaining insight into the ongoing relevance and challenges faced by religious communities in modern society. 15% of final grade | 4 hours | (2 hrs online/2 hrs offline) |
| 6. Final Examination | ||
Proctored exam worth 15% of final grade. | 3 hours | 3 hours (online) 12 hours Offline |
| Total | 67 Hours | |
This course is organized into a semester format. Lessons and activities will be presented to
students via the internet. Lessons will be provided on-line, with regularly scheduled student
teacher conferences and student to student discussion forums.
A variety of strategies will be used in the online delivery of this course. Instructional strategies
will include but are not limited to:
● Teacher directed lessons
● Cooperative learning
● Independent research
● Peer to Peer learning
● Multi-media presentation
Learning goals will be discussed at the beginning of each assignment and success criteria will
be provided to students. The success criteria are used to develop the assessment tools in this
course, including rubrics and checklists.
The over-riding aim of this course is to is to help students develop an understanding and
appreciation of the diverse religious and belief systems that shape human experiences and
worldviews. Students are encouraged to think critically, build empathy, and foster respectful
dialogue about spiritual and cultural differences. The course aims to prepare students to be
informed, open-minded global citizens in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. A
wide variety of instructional strategies are used to provide learning opportunities to
accommodate a variety of learning styles, interests, and ability levels. The following
mathematical processes are used throughout the course as strategies for teaching and
learning the concepts presented.
A variety of assessment and evaluation methods, strategies and tools are required as appropriate to the expectation being assessed. These include diagnostic, formative and summative within the course and within each unit.
Assessment FOR Learning and Assessment AS Learning is obtained through a variety of means, including the following:
● Ongoing descriptive feedback, including descriptive feedback on students’ plans for
their venture
● Self-assessment
● Peer assessment
● Student/Teacher Conferences with on a regular basis to:
o verbalize observations
o ask questions
o clarify understanding
Evidence of student achievement (assessment of learning) is collected through ongoing observations of most consistent work, with consideration given to most recent work from various sources.
Assessment and evaluation in this course will be based on the provincial curriculum expectations. Students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement. Categories of assessment and breakdowns are as follows:
● Knowledge 30%
● Thinking Inquiry 25%
● Application 25%
● Communication 20%
A final grade will be determined as follows:
● Term Work 70%
● Final Evaluation ISU 15% Exam 15%
Students with special needs and English Language Learners will be provided with
accommodation, including additional time, assistive technology and scribe where available.
Learning Skills listed below are key to student success. Learning Skills are assessed independently of achievement and are determined through observation and participation. A check list and student conference will be used to determine the level in each category.
1. Responsibility
2. Organization
3. Independent Work
4. Collaboration
5. Initiative
6. Self-Regulation
This course will be entirely administered online, no materials are necessary.
● PowerPoint and Video Lessons
● Activities and Assignments
● On-Line resources
$549.00
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