1.+Nature+of+Religion+&+Aboriginal+Spirit

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 * Module 1 - Nature of Religion

**Please read this article (use an SQ3R to gain an better understanding of the context and information)**
=**Nature of Religion and Beliefs T1. Wks 1-6**=
 * 16 indicative hours**

The focus of this study is the nature of religion and beliefs, including Australian Aboriginal beliefs and spiritualities, as a distinctive response to the human search for meaning in life.

This study introduces students to the essential concepts of Studies of Religion. It provides an understanding of the nature of religion and the expression of religious thought and practice in various belief systems. In this part of the course, the religious traditions illustrate the variety of beliefs about the relationship between the supernatural and the human, the search for meaning and the ultimate goal of human life. Students also investigate the unique expression of spirituality by Aboriginal peoples. These responses all demonstrate a relationship between beliefs and their adherents

=**Outcomes**=


 * A student:

P1 describes the characteristics of religion and belief systems

P2 identifies the influence of religion and belief systems on individuals and society

P6 selects and uses relevant information about religion from a variety of sources

P8 uses appropriate terminology related to religion and belief systems.**

=**The Nature of Religion (Module 1)**=

**Students learn about:**
– acknowledges the supernatural dimension – has a belief in a divine being or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within the individual
 * •** religion as a worldview that:

• characteristics of religion: – beliefs and believers – sacred texts and writings – ethics – rituals and ceremonies

• the contribution of religion

**Students learn to:**

 * •** define the supernatural dimension

• discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human

• discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual

• define the characteristics of religion

• explore the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic, living religion

• appreciate the contribution of religion to: – individuals – society and culture

=**Australian Aboriginal Beliefs and Spiritualities – The Dreaming (Module 2)**=

Students learn about:
• nature of the Dreaming • the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity

Students learn to:
• outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: – origins of the universe – sacred sites – stories of the Dreaming – symbolism and art

• discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples

• recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples

• investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity

WEB LINKS - ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY

Material for Aboriginal beliefs and Spiritualities Internet Sites: Check my delicious account http://www.delicious.com/mpate Dreamtime Stories http://www.abc.net.au/dustechoes/dustEchoesFlash.htm Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation http://www.reconciliation.org.au/ Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre http://www.aboriginalart.com.au/didgeridoo/ Jinta Desert Art, Aboriginal Art Dealers http://www.jintaart.com.au/index1.htm Aboriginal Art of Australia http://www.aaia.com.au/ Compass http://www.abc.net.au/compass/

=**POWER - POINTS & KEYNOTES**=

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=**Monday Week 6 - Self Directed Research**= Please download these readings and complete the activities associated with EACH reading. This will be part of your Learning Preparation for this week. http://www.programs.sbs.com.au/firstaustralians/content/



**All answers and reflections are to be written on your wikispace section**


=**Review Questions - Friday 6 March 10% (35 marks)**= Instructions -(1) Download and save file (2) Complete answers in word (3) Copy and paste word document onto your wiki space.



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