1. INTRODUCTION to World Cultures Unit 1 – Africa Lesson 3 – World Religions

2. Essential Questions What defines a culture? What is ETHNOCENTRISM? What are the three biggest religions in the world today? What are the two types of governments?

3. What is Culture? Definition – a “way of life” of a region –Social Structure –Government –Religion –Customs and traditions –Language –Arts –Economies click

4. Elements of Culture What are nine elements of culture? Food Clothing Humor Architecture Leisure Skills Ideas of beauty Ideas of right and wrong Goals for future

5. Example: the Nacirema People Read the document on Nacirema (Some of you know about them… let others discuss their views first) What did you find odd? What did you find “normal”? Was anything repulsive? What are examples of their behavior? How would you describe their culture? Would you want to visit them?

6. What is “American” Culture? What are aspects we all have in common? gestures

7. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

14. Government Different types (18) –Democracy –Republic (form of Democracy) –Dictatorship