Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lessons of the Indian Epics: Following the Dharma

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how the epic poem, "Ramayana" teaches dharma, one of Hinduism's most important tenets. They read the abridged version of the "Ramayana," identify the main plot points, complete a chart, and write an essay on a moral...
Lesson Plan
Curriculum Project

Gandhi

For Teachers 8th - 12th Standards
Introduce class members to Gandhi's non-violent, non-cooperative ideas with Richard Attenborough's 1982 bio-epic. The film traces the experiences that gave shape to Gandhi's ideas and the actions that eventually lead to the end of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shadow Theater of the Mahabharata

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, by creating Javanese shadow puppets and performing significant scenes from the story. They combine their artistic ability with their desire to learn an important aspect of the Southeast Asian...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

UNDERSTANDING KARMA, DHARMA, AND SAMSARA

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Pupils examine the Indian concepts of dharma, karma and samsara, see how violating one's dharma might lead to becoming an out-caste, and appreciate how these concepts undergird Indian life.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WHAT SHOULD ARJUNA DO?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students become familiar with the Bhagavad Gita, recognize the various arguments Lord Krishna gave for doing one's dharma, explore the idea of karma yoga, acting with holy indifference.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Arts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East: An Exploration of Art, Music and Film

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students examine the arts of the Middle East, Asia and Africa. After viewing films, they discuss the views of the various characters and identify the differences in the cultures presented. They also use the internet to evaluate various...
Handout
Other

The Epic of Ramayana

For Students 9th - 10th
This article discusses the significant of on the Ramayana, the epic story of the hero Rama that is so much a part of Hindu culture.
Website
British Library

British Library: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore the epic story of Ramayana, one of the most significant pieces of literature in the Hindu culture. The British Library offered an exhibit of the tale in 2008, but the data is still available online.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: The Story of India: Diwali

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS explores the religious festivals of India with an in-depth look into the festival Diwali. Identifies the Sanskrit word and provides its meaning. Details the origins of the festival and the epic which sparked the celebration....
Handout
PBS

Pbs: The Story of India: Ramayana

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief description of the Ramayana, one of two great epic poems of ancient India.