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

2. Review
Seven Continents
Oceans

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

4. Essential Questions *Write these at the start of class into
your composition book.
What defines a culture?
What are the three biggest religions in the world today?
What are the two types of governments?
** After our lesson, write the answers to these questions in your composition book.

5. 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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6. 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

7. 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?
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(Show “blind” first)

8. What is “American” Culture?
What are aspects we all have in common?
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9. 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)

10. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

18. Essential Questions Write your answers to these questions.
What defines a culture?
What are the three biggest religions in the world today?
What are the two types of governments?
Are you missing any?
World Geography (Tuesday 9/7)
World Culture (Wednesday 9/8)