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Finding Common Ground

The discussion room at Fatehpur Sikri

In 1575, emperor Akbar the Great of the Mughal Empire wanted to end fighting between the many religions of India. He invited representatives from each of the religions to his capital at Fatehpur Sikri. He gave each of them the task of finding common ground among their different religious beliefs so the people of India could live together peacefully.

For this assignment, students will imagine they are an adviser to Akbar the Great at Fatehpur Sikri. They will write a letter to Akbar describing similarities they have found between the religions we have studied this year and explain a plan for peace.

Assignment due Thursday, April 22

Finding Common Ground Letter to Akbar (pdf)

  • Periods 1, 2, 3 and 6 need to write about two similarities.
  • Period 4 students need to write about three similarities.
  • The challenge is optional for all students.

More Information from The Story of India

We watched the following clips from the PBS documentary The Story of India to introduce the assignment:

April 15th, 2010 | Tags: , | Category: History | Comments are closed

Western Religions Unit

For the next several weeks, we will be studying the impact three religions had on World History. We will begin by looking at the origins of the ancient Hebrews in Mesopotamia, then look at two more religions that began in the Middle East, Christianity and Islam. Later in the year, we will learn about two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.

As we study the history of religions, we have these ground rules for both students and teachers:

  1. Our goal is understand the religious beliefs of others, but we will not force our beliefs on others.
  2. We will be respectful when speaking about the beliefs of others.
  3. Students are encouraged to share their knowledge. In many cases, they may know more than the teachers.

We will begin by watching an animated map that shows the spread of five religions around the world. Students will make observations on the World Religions Chart. Next, we will take notes and label a map about the ancient Hebrews.

Visit the Maps of War web site to watch the animated map

Visit the Maps of War web site to watch the animated map

November 23rd, 2009 | Tags: | Category: History | Comments are closed