Bell Work (11/17) Step 1 – How would you define identity? Step 2 – Write down 5 words you would use to identify yourself. Step 3 - On scale of 1-10 (1 being least important, 10 being most) how important is religion: In your home? In the United States? In the world? How many people wrote down something about religion as a way to identify yourself? Objective: Analyze religion as a factor of identity. Compare and contrast the importance of religion to the United States to countries worldwide.

3 Large Envelopes Each envelope has different information in it to help you determine the importance of religion to the United States and to countries worldwide You will be given 8 minutes to analyze the documents in each envelope with your group. Respond to what is asked on your worksheet after discussing with your group. Objective: Analyze religion as a factor of identity. Compare and contrast the importance of religion to the United States to countries worldwide.

Envelope #1 This is an an excerpt from an OPINION piece from the Star Tribune, a daily newspaper in Minneapolis. Read the excerpt aloud with your group. Discuss with your group: What is the main idea of the writer’s opinion piece? Do you agree or disagree with his opinion? Record your personal reaction to his article on your worksheet. Objective: Analyze religion as a factor of identity. Compare and contrast the importance of religion to the United States to countries worldwide.

Envelope #2 These are 3 maps showing the importance of religion worldwide as based on information collected during a Gallup poll. With your group: Make 3 conclusions about the importance of religion worldwide Things to consider: Where is religion most/least important? Why might the people report the importance of religion in that way? Are there any similarities among countries that have an equivalent level of importance reported? Do you notice any trends over time? Discuss as a class Objective: Analyze religion as a factor of identity. Compare and contrast the importance of religion to the United States to countries worldwide.

Envelope #3 There are enough articles for each person to read individually Read the article on your own and respond to the questions on your worksheet: After looking at the maps and reading the results of this poll, do you agree or disagree with the opinion piece from Envelope #1 about the role of religion in the U.S.? Explain your answer. What role does religion play in someone’s identity? Discuss your responses with your group Discuss as a class Objective: Analyze religion as a factor of identity. Compare and contrast the importance of religion to the United States to countries worldwide.

What’s coming up: This next unit, Religion and Ethnicity, will help us understand the complete identity of a person or group of people. While studying Religion and Ethnicity, we need to also remember our previous unit. Culture, Language, Religion (or lack of), and Ethnicity all together shape identity.