Fees: IB Exam Fee as appropriate

Learning Recommendations: Students should be prepared to research, discuss and compare world religions in a respectful and academic manner. Students should be prepared to participate through both verbal and written discourse. Students should be prepared to learn and work at a fast-paced, IB level. No prior knowledge of world religions is necessary for students to undertake this course of study.

General Description: This course prepares students to sit for the Standard Level exam in May. The course will examine the question of nature and meaning of religion and its interaction in society, as well as survey major religions of the world. Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of religion, culture, and history, as well as the individual beliefs and practices of each religion. Students will have the opportunity to research and present other religions of the world based on their particular interests.

The aims of the IB Diploma Programme World Religions course are to enable students to:

• promote an inquiring, analytical and empathetic approach to the study of religion
• develop an informed understanding of the diversity of world religions
• foster a respectful awareness of the significance of the beliefs and practices for the faith member
• develop an understanding of how religion affects people’s lives
• encourage a global appreciation of the issues surrounding religious and spiritual beliefs, controversies and movements in the world today
• promote responsible and informed international citizenship

Content: The course will follow the model laid out by the IB Programme and will be broken down as follows:

• Part 1 - Introduction to World Religions: A minimum of five world religions to be studied from a choice of nine; at least one to be chosen from each of the three columns in the chart of world religions.
• Part 2 - In-depth Studies: Two world religions to be studied from a choice of six; each chosen from a different column.
• Part 3 - Internal assessment: Investigative study of an unstudied religion of the student's choice.

Strategies: Students will learn through a combination of:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical reading
• Discussion
• Lecture
• Papers
• Presentations
• Socratic seminar
• Projects

Equipment to be provided by Student: Note cards and USB memory stick (thumb drive) recommended