Discovering World Religions

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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”

-1st Amendment

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Religion plays a central role in culture; therefore, it is an essential component of our Cultural Diversity course. In an effort to encourage you to learn about various religions throughout the world, your assignment will be study one specific religion and complete a PhotoStory about that religion. Using the BBC Religion Database, research the various aspects of your religion and develop a presentation that answers the following questions:

Brief History:
Where/when/how did it start?
Beliefs:
What are the major beliefs of this Religion?
Customs/Rites & Rituals:
How does Religion influence daily life?
Ethics:
What do they consider Right and Wrong?
Holy Days:
What are the main holy days of this religion?
Does anything interesting take place on these holy days?
Geography:
Where are the followers of this religion mainly located?
Analysis:
What similarities and differences does this religion have with Christianity?

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The steps you should follow in developing your PhotoStory are:

1. Note Taking – Conduct research and answer the questions on a sheet of paper
2. Develop Outline – The outline should follow the order listed above. Edit your notes into complete thoughts with details.
3. Collect Images – Browse the Internet for pictures that relate to your religion. Save these images in a common folder.
4. Arrange Order – Order the pictures so that they follow the outline, Include writing to your presentation
5. Finalize (add effects, etc.)

Grading: 40 points total

1. 10 points – All 7 Categories are addressed
2. 10 points – Grammar & Punctuation
3. 10 points – Appropriate use of pictures
4. 10 points – Clarity – Order and Organization are utilized

Analyzing Mexican Stereotypes

At the beginning of the semester, we discussed the meaning of a “stereotype” while watching an episode of NBC’s “The Office.” We often encounter stereotypes on a daily basis without noticing them. Usually, we find them in television and advertisements. Please analyze the following advertisements and cartoon and answer the discussion questions that follow.

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Discussion Questions:

1. What stereotypes did you see in each item above (you should be able to find more than one in the Speedy Gonzales cartoon)?

2. Which item or stereotype did you find the most offensive? Explain why.

Dream Act

A bill called the “Dream Act” came before the Minnesota legislature this spring. The bill would allow children of undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at colleges if they’ve attended high school for 3 years and graduated. Please read the Minnesota Public Radio article to find out more:

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The Minnesota Dream Act mirrors a national act that was originally introduced in 2001. The national act would allow illegal immigrants to gain legal status if they served in the armed forces or graduate from college. “This American Life,” a radio program featured on Minnesota Public Radio, profiled a young undocumented immigrant who would benefit from the Dream Act. After you listen to the program and read the MPR article please respond to the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Since its introduction in 2001, the Dream Act has failed to gain enough votes to become a law. Why do you suppose this is?

2. Would you support the passage of the Dream Act? Why or Why Not?