Summer World Religions

All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Successful completion of one year of high school social science or permission from the administration; Full-year course credit
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a full-year credit social science course examining the major religious traditions of the world. In the first half, students explore the history and beliefs of the major religions of the world today – Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judeo-Christianity – before examining the intersection of cultural, political, and socio-economic forces that influence and are influenced by faith traditions. With this foundation, students take deep dives independently and collaboratively into faith practices of their choosing in the second half of the course, such as New Age Religions, Paganism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, or the beliefs of indigenous peoples of Africa, the Americas, or Australia. Students demonstrate understanding through critical analysis, research papers, and alternative assessments. 
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Summer courses are for-credit opportunities for ambitious students to get a jump on the next academic year. Students participating in these courses should plan to devote 20 hours per week for eight weeks to their course. Students will receive grades and comments in these classes, which are the equivalent of year-long, high-school level courses. Because of the pacing and intensity of for-credit summer courses, there is little flexibility; students must be available and have internet access for all eight weeks of the course. 
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“I have really enjoyed the freedom we get to express ourselves. I love that we can take a medium of our choice and something we are passionate about to show what we learn in the course. It has made me push myself in the areas I am interested in, like creative writing, while also pushing my knowledge of world religions.”

"Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity.  I have learned so much this summer, and I cannot wait to apply what I have learned both to the upcoming school year and the rest of my life!"

"I think this course was amazing. If you really take the time to put in the work and challenge yourself, the course can teach you so much. I loved it, and I really felt inspired to keep learning about religions around the world. "

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Collaborative student driven discussions.
  • Virtual field trips to sacred sites around the world.
  • Creative design-based projects.
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by: the NCAA.

​One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. 
Kerry Smith
she/her/hers 
Humanities Teacher
BA Oglethorpe University
MA The Ohio State University