This simulation allows students to learn about the history and culture of Islam and the Islamic world by "becoming" Muslims. There are five phases of the unit. Students are assigned to a city, choose an Arabic name, and become familiar with their group and responsibilities outlined in the Student Guide. In the introduction section,…

This packet--a teacher's manual, student workbook, and color poster--was designed to accompany a 2-part videotape program. The teacher's manual provides a script of the videotape, and is organized in 2 sections. Part 1, "Kings, Glyphs, Temples and Ball Courts", looks at the written glyph language and the Solar and Ritual calendars of the…

Students should know their rights and liberties, and they need to be better informed and better equipped about how to assert and defend these precious things. The protectors of students' rights and liberties--those faculty, administrators, parents, alumni, friends, citizens, advisers, and attorneys who care about such vital matters--should…

Maintains that interreligious learning takes place most beneficially among people who are reasonably secure in their own relationship with God and also are comfortable with the mystery of that relationship. Argues that people with little tolerance for mystery and ambiguity will become uncomfortable with other religious experiences. (MJP)

Explicates some of the forces and realities shaping the formation of religious identity in the modern world. Identity can no longer be be constructed in isolation from others and the community at large. People also are aware that identity is constructed socially. Discusses the impact of this on Christian-Jewish relations. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components deemed essential for interfaith dialog and education: (1) productive interfaith education cannot occur in isolation; (2) interfaith education strengthens the separate faiths; and (3) these efforts should be initiated at an earlier age. Briefly addresses problems concerning curricula in religious institutions. (MJP)

Reflects on the personal growth experienced at the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium by asking a series of questions. The questions reflect on such issues as pre-meeting expectations, adult learning experiences, the process of interfaith sharing, and the moving beyond communal faith boundaries. (MJP)

Describes a special curriculum that combines religious studies and social science resources to offer a better understanding and acceptance of persons suffering from long-term mental disorders. Utilizes recent scientific research and sacred texts to investigate biological causes of mental illness and the ensuing cultural stigmatization. (MJP)

Observes the philosophical and methodological aspects of Religious Studies. Considers the limitations of approaching religious thought and experience from a rationalist-scientific perspective. Includes a historical overview of the phenomenology of religious education with brief summations of leading theorists. (MJP)

Reviews research dealing with the intersection of the developmental psychology of trauma and spirituality. Examines the role of religion in spiritual development and asserts the need to study life paths of violent youth to see role of spirituality in preventing social problems. Uses research with street children and children in war zones. (BGC)

Using focus groups, Australian researchers examined characteristics of Catholic school teachers' (N=67) faith development, noting strategies and models that supported faith development. They found eight categories of attributes characteristic of faith-filled teachers. Activities that nurtured personal growth through opportunities for inner…

Summarizes findings of a 50-state survey of state laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning religion and moral education. Describes legislation affecting the curriculum, student and teacher behavior, and nonpublic schools in 30 topic areas. Reports the need for further verification and clarification. Finds minimal regional differences.…

Reports on the results of 180 questionnaires given to public school teachers and 26 structured follow-up interviews on how teachers view themselves as moral educators. Found that teachers' individual moralities shaped the choices they made. Discovered that, although reluctant to teach values directly, teachers feel a commitment to share their…

Contends that all of the U.S. Supreme Court Justices in 1947 agreed that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment erected a wall of separation between church and state. Reviews Establishment Clause history, includes summaries of court opinions, and concludes that a more thorough curriculum about the wall of separation is needed. (CFR)

Contends that popular, or a form of alternative, education stands in the background of most efforts in human rights education in Latin America. Maintains that education must educate people as producers, citizens, and individuals. Discusses challenges to this task in light of liberation theology and the Peruvian experience. (CFR)