World Religions Research Project
The purpose of this project is to introduce several major religions and analyze their impact on cultures
around the world. We will look at how these religions came to be, how they are practiced, and how they
influence their followers and others. Our work will be researching a religion based on the rubric below,
then presenting what we have found to the rest of the class.
The religions are:
Islam
Hinduism
Confucianism
Buddhism
These religions, along with Christianity and Judaism (which we have already studied) have had a huge
impact on world history and culture. Researching them will help show the complexity of the world we
live in, as well as how much different eastern cultures are from our own.
Requirements:
For each religion, be sure to include the following characteristics:
1. Who founded it and the story of how it was founded
2. When and where the religion became popular
3. The main beliefs of the religion, including any holy books or philosophies that act as a
foundation for the religion
4. An explanation of how the religion is practiced—rituals, leaders, rules, customs, etc.
5. How the religion spread, why it spread, and where it is practiced throughout the world today
6. An explanation of how these religions have impacted world history and culture, from their
founding to today
7. A short video showing the religion being practiced within the culture where it began
8. The remainder of the requirements can be found on the following page titled “Group Multimedia
Project Rubric”
Group Multimedia Project Rubric
Requirement
Content: Information from the section is well organized
and summarized; major events, people, and dates are
included and explained. All requirements from #’s 1-8 on
the other side of this sheet are fulfilled thoroughly.
Research: The textbook is used, as well as one other
factual, written resource (library, encyclopedia, etc.). The
internet is also used as a third resource for pictures,
maps, or content. SOURCES ARE CITED CORRECTLY AT
THE END OF THE PRESENTATION
Written Portion: Each slide has a bulleted list
summarizing one major concept from the section. Words
on the slide are kept to a minimum, but explanations are
in depth. (Use note cards to help here).
Note cards: Used by all presenters to provide
details/summaries of the information. There is detailed
information on the note cards that help explain the slide.
These are reminder cards—not a book that you read to
the class.
Spelling/Grammar: There are no spelling or
grammatical errors in the presentation.
Topic:___________________________________
Points
Possible
20
10
20
10
10
Quality Pictures and Captions: At least one high quality,
relevant picture for each slide, each of which has a
creative, explanatory caption of one or two short
sentences below the picture.
15
Time management: Time used in class and out of class
well by all group members; project done on time or early.
Students who complete their work early help other
students—there is no idle time by any team member.
20
Presentation: Student presents a 15-20 minute
explanation to the rest of the class on their subject;
students show they know the content well enough to
explain it, not just read it to the class; students take
presentation seriously by dressing nicely, respecting
other group and class members, and staying focused
throughout the presentation.
30
Total:
135
Points Earned/notes