One of the subjects that are being taught in most of the high schools in the world is Religion. In fact, the educational system, whose administrators possess strong religious beliefs, considers it necessary to teach religion because of its fundamental role in the social context.In a Social Studies Review article, whose author stays anonymous, states that “Study about religion is essential to understanding both the nation and the world”(Anonymous, 1). However, due to the fact that religious beliefs are divided in Catholicism, Judaism, Protestants, Atheists, among others, teaching this subject can become a controversial issue difficult to control.
Even students can take religion teaching personal or not. In a classroom, teachers can face students of different religions; therefore they can have different points of view about the topic, which can create a controversial situation in the class. In order to teach such a controversial topic, teacher must be aware about the respect to diversity in a classroom.
It seems fundamental for religion teachers to teach, for instance, some passages from the bible as part of the lesson. On the other hand, some topics may have different versions depending on different religious beliefs which can be points of debate for learners. Schools could also discuss about the case of Bill Maher, a person who criticizes religion. In an NPR interview carried out by Terry Gross,he states that “religion has done way more harm than good in the world”. (Maher,1) This person, along with Larry Charles were interviewed by the NPR in order to share their opinions about the documentary film Religulous, which aroused the believers critiques. Maher aslo claims in the New York Times article that“If it’s profitable, it’s not taboo. If they think it’s marketable, then maybe the tabooishness doesn’t matter so much.” (Maher, 2)
Perhaps the majority people who believe in religion may disagree with both Maher and Charles. Teachers in highschools as well as their students can about them express whether they disagree or agree. However, teachers have the duty to know about students’ reality when they deal with certain issues.All those topics about religion can be discussed in class as a way to encourage students’ critical thinking. However, as authorities in a classroom, teachers must me aware of students diversity in order to deal these topics with respect and tolerance.
• Gross, Terry. "Bill Maher and Larry Charles, Getting Religulous". Interview with Larry Charles.Fresh air. NPR. 30 September 2008. 2 October 2008
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95210724
• Leland, John. “Cameras Roll, and Faith hasn’t a Prayer.” The New York Times 26 September 2008. 28 March 2009.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/movies/28lela.html
• Anonymous, “Teaching about religion in publuc schools”. Social Studies Review. 1 October 2002
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-275376771.html
1 comentario:
"Social Studies Review article" sounds very vague--you should state that it is the name of a website. If there is no author, just put the paragraph number--you don't need to say "anonymous."
Great introduction here:
In an NPR interview carried out by Terry Gross,he states that “religion has done way more harm than good in the world”. (Maher,1)
However, watch your punctuation. The last part should be like this:
in the world” (Maher 1).
Another great lead-in here:
Maher aslo claims in the New York Times article that“If it’s profitable, it’s not taboo. If they think it’s marketable, then maybe the tabooishness doesn’t matter so much.” (Maher, 2)
But, Maher didn't write that article! You need to state Leland's name, give us the name of the NYT article, and then change the parenthetical documentation to:
doesn’t matter so much” (2).
Not bad on your citations at the end. Don't forget to put <> around the website address, and you need to check on where to put periods. Look at the MLA guidelines.
Overall, good job!
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