INTRODUCTION to World Cultures

Unit 1 – AfricaLesson 3 – World Religions

Review

• Seven Continents

• Oceans

Essential Questions

• What defines a culture?• What are the three biggest religions in the

world today?• What are the two types of governments?

Essential Questions

• What defines a culture?• What are the three biggest religions in the

world today?• What are the two types of governments?

*Write these at the start of class into your composition book.

** After our lesson, write the answers to these questions in your composition book.

What is Culture?• Definition• – a “way of life” of a region

– Social Structure– Government– Religion– Customs and traditions– Language – Arts– Economies

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Elements of Culture (13)What are nine elements of culture?• Food• Clothing• Humor• Architecture• Leisure• Skills• Ideas of beauty• Ideas of right and wrong• Goals for future

Example: the Nacirema People

• Some of you know about them… let others discuss their views first

• What did you find odd?• What are examples of

behavior?• How would you describe their culture?• Would you want to visit them?

(Show “blind” first)

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What is “American” Culture?

• What are aspects we all have in common?

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Social Structure• Family Patterns – describe each (14)

– NUCLEAR FAMILY

– EXTENDED FAMILY

• Who is in charge of the home?

• Social Classes – rankings

• Social Mobility – how can you change your ranking? (14)

What is Religion?

• Definition:• The belief in and worship of a superhuman

controlling power, especially a personal God or gods, discusses “the eternal,” and usually explains your soul and an after life.

• Examples• Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism• Buddhism, Islam

Christianity• World’s biggest• 33% of the world• Idea: there is one God (monotheistic)

– Offshoot of Judaism • Three parts of God• The son (Jesus) was sent to earth to

cleanse you of your sins • Several types:

– Catholic– Protestant– Orthodox

Islam• Second largest• 20% of world population• Monotheistic• Started in Middle East in 7th century• Idea: total obedience to God (Allah)• Respected Judaism and Christianity• Spread throughout

Mediterranean

• Third largest religion in world• 14% (and growing)• Only Indians (from India)• Polytheistic (man Gods)• Fairly complicated• Reincarnation

(born into body of baby)• All animals are sacred• Most Hindus are vegetarians

Buddhism

• Fourth largest religion (6%)• Found mostly in East Asia• Belief that life has no beginning or end• Reincarnation

Government• Different types (18)

– Democracy

– Republic (form of Democracy)

– Dictatorship

Essential Questions

• What defines a culture?• What are the three biggest religions in the

world today?• What are the two types of governments?

Write your answers to these questions.

Are you missing any?1. World Geography (Tuesday 9/7)2. World Culture (Wednesday 9/8)