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HUMANITIES CONNECTIONS
World Religions
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Video Options:
Excerpts from Humanities through the Arts. Tapes may be purchased after
the broadcast date by phoning Office Manager, (Deborah Harris) at 800.333.9764.
- Broadcast 1
- Interview with Rabbi Jon Adland --
Jon Adland tells students about basic Jewish beliefs, the
Tora and mitzvot, including dietary laws. He discusses how
a Jewish person worships, describes the Jewish calendar
and talks about important life cycle events in Judiasm.
Also Rabbi Adland considers the relationship between an
American Jew and Israel, and addresses the Jewish concept
of the afterlife. (time: 34:58)
- The Book of Genesis -- The first book of
the Old Testament contains some of the most famous lines
and most enduring stories of the world's literature. This
short piece is an overview of the highlights of the Book
of Genesis. (time: 6:09)
- The Three Daves -- The Old Testament story
of David and Goliath has inspired hundreds of works
of art. Three depictions of David are covered here: Donatello's
David (1400's), Michelangelo's David (1500's), and
Bernini's David (1600's). Through these three works
of art, students see differences in early Renaissance, late
Renaissance, and Baroque styles. (time: 7:46)
- Broadcast 2
- The Church of Hagia Sophia -- Hagia Sophia
in Constantinople was once the largest church in the world.
Built by Justinian in 532 AD, this church takes the unusual
form of a square. Within this square are two cocentric octagons
which contain 40 windows. This highly symbolic structure
symbolized the glory of Byzantium. (time: 6:08)
- The Dome of the Rock -- Claimed by
Christians, Moslems, and Jews, the Dome of the Rock represents
the intersection of three great world religions. Transcript of Broadcast.
(time: 5:10)
- Islamic Architecture -- The Mosque - How
is a mosque different from other worship spaces? The Mosque
of the Shah at the Royal Square of Isfahan shows us
the importance of undifferentiated space. Minarets are positioned
on corners for calling the faithful to prayer, There is
no central altar but a mihrab, which orients one toward
Mecca. Interior decoration is free from figurative art,
since it is prohibited in the Moslem faith. Instead, we
see passages from the Quran, and an abundance of polychrome
calligraphy. (time: 8:16)
- The Silk Road -- One of the oldest trade
routes in the world is the Silk Road. Two powerful civilizations,
Rome and China, reigned at each end of this route. Along
the Silk Road we would see high planes, deserts, and rock-cut
Buddhist shrines. Tiles, figurines, ceramics, textiles and
dozens of other items were transported along the Silk Road.
(Produced with visuals from the University of Michigan Museum
of Art) (Time: 18:04)
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The Dome
of the Rock, or Qubbat al-Sakhra as it is called in Arabic,
is one of the most hotly contested pieces of real estate in history.
Jews, Christians, and Moslems claim ownership to this sacred plot
of land. Jews believe that the sacrifice of Isaac took place on
this here. For Christians, this is the Temple Mount, associated
with the temptation of Jesus. Moslems believe that Mohammad's ascent
into heaven occurred here.Experience an Internet-based classroom project
which includes history of the Noble Sanctuary,
architectural details of the Dome of the Rock, and cultural aspects
of the Early Moslem Age. |
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Web Picks
Judaism
This site addresses questions about Judaism... from basics of Judaism
to an interactive culture exploration. Begin with Hanukkah to discover
customs, traditions, recipes associated with this midwinter holiday.
Christianity From Humanities
through the Arts, have your students research Davids
from three centuries... sculptures by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
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Genesis from The Judaism Primer.
This page on the Book of Genesis is part of a large, comprehensive site on Judaism.
It includes information on Jewish law, ethics, etc. and ends with
an email address for questions to Rabbi Boruch Clinton, of Torah
Institute Yeshiva High School and Machon Sarah High School for girls, in Ottawa.
Islam: Step-by-step two day class
on Islam for middle school designed by Houghton-Mifflin. Includes
a concept map, web sites for further research, and ideas for extension.
This link from Masjid Tucson covers all the
bases on Islam, which means submission, and is appropriate for older students who have questions about
particular issues, such as the role of women, polygamy, marriage,
divorce, abortion, and contrasts between Islam and Judeo-Christianity.
ISLAM interactive and hands-on
For younger children:
- Children's activities in Ramadan Islamic
Art Projects
Also
For extension:
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