1.+Nature+of+Religion+and+Beliefs

= 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
 * Nature of Religion and Beliefs ** 16 indicative hours

Protocols when working with Aboriginal communities In the topic //Nature of Religion and Beliefs// a significant area of study is Aboriginal beliefs and spiritualities. Where possible, schools are encouraged to work with local/regional Aboriginal communities for this section of the course. See page 12 for information about protocols when working with Aboriginal communities.

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.

Content

 * **Students learn about: ** || **Students learn to: ** ||
 * **The Nature of Religion **

– 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

<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the contribution of religion

<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Australian Aboriginal Beliefs and Spiritualities – The Dreaming || <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">define the supernatural dimension


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">define the characteristics of religion


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">explore the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic, living religion

– <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">individuals – <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">society and culture
 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">appreciate the contribution of religion to:

|| <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">nature of the Dreaming

– <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">origins of the universe – <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">sacred sites – <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stories of the Dreaming – <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">symbolism and art
 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity || * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples


 * <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity ||