Project Assignment
Purpose
Religion serves a function in society just like the economy and the government. It's important to understand the different religions practiced all over the world, to examine how these religions affect society, and to explore how people find meaning through religion. The purpose of this project is to explore the world's major religions to better understand their basic tenets and use the sociological imagination to consider how these religions affect the lives of the people who practice them and the societies in which they are most prevalent.
Directions
Gather in groups of three or four. Your instructor will assign each group one of the seven major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity). As a group, research your assigned religion and create a presentation to share with the class.
In your presentation, address the following prompts:
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Define your assigned religion.
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What were the sociohistorical conditions that brought about the prevalence of these beliefs and practices?
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How has the religion changed over time?
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How do members practice this religion? What are their key beliefs, tenets, and rituals?
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Where is this religion most commonly practiced?
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What are the major symbols associated with this religion? What do they mean?
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Based on their varying locations across the globe, how do the members of this religion integrate their own cultural norms and values with their beliefs and practices?
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Generally speaking, are there any prejudices associated with this religion? If so, what are they?
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Do the people who practice this religion experience any discrimination? If so, in what way?
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How might race, gender, class, or sexual orientation affect how the members of this religion experience discrimination?
Make your presentation more engaging by including images, videos, and/or music.
Materials
Sources on the major world religions, presentation software
Checklist
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Address all given prompts