Unit Topic and Rationale

1) While I taught and created many units throughout my student

teaching experience, I chose the topic of Modern Belief Systems as the
highlighted unit for my teacher work sample. In this unit we learned
the basic tenants and historical context of five major global belief
systems, including, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam. Students learned the origins and basic principles of these belief
systems in a systematic and objective fashion.
In this unit, each day was devoted to one of the major belief
systems, as well as an introductory day, and a day dedicate to the
summative assessment of the unit. We started with the oldest of these
belief systems, Hinduism. After this we stayed in the eastern world
and learned of Buddhism. We then moved westward and tackled
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam respectively in order of their historic
origins, oldest to youngest.
2) The topic of Modern Belief Systems was chosen chiefly due to
its relevance. This aligns with the state standard 3a, Discuss the
historical development and impact of major world religions and
philosophies. The historical implications and power over people that
these belief systems wielded in the past as well as the ever-increasing
influence and relevance these belief systems have on modern society
make this the perfect unit to accent in my student teaching. This unit
offered students content that is a part of their everyday-lives. These

modern belief systems have maintained influence and, thusly,

significance throughout the ages and are therefore, entirely worthwhile
and valuable to my history students. To this day, these belief systems
shape and impact the way millions of people live their lives.
3) The Modern Belief Systems covered in this unit maintain a
daily impact upon majority populations of the world today. India
maintains one of the largest populations in the world; their main belief
system is Hinduism. An offshoot of this faith, Buddhism commands
followers all over the globe, with newly converted individuals each day.
With ethnic ties and a global presence, Judaism marks the oldest and
original monotheistic faith. Christianity boasts the most followers at
around 33% of the worlds population. This faith holds strong influence
and prestige within the United States, given this nations ties with the
Christian faith. Indeed one of my students fathers is a pastor who
came in as a guest speaker and offered an objective presentation
about the faith. Lastly, Islam holds great power and influence over the
Middle East. Conflict today between the United States and the Middle
East finds many of its origins in the conflict between Islam and
Christianity. A student at Rocky Mountain High School, whom is also a
Muslim, afforded my classes an objective presentation on her faith and
its basic principles. Each one of these belief systems wields influence,
present and historic, as well as personally and globally, which makes
this an incredibly valid and important unit for my students. This unit

afforded my students historical context, grounding, and understanding

of the world in which they presently reside.