Message from jshepherd

I like the idea of using a persuasive essay for the three religions. I would first make sure they have a firm understanding of the period, cultural, ecomomic and political background of where the religion was practiced.

- split your class into the social hierarchy groups of the period and have them research why the religion(s) appealed/did not appeal to that group. (maybe cooperative learning groups?)
-OR, split them into Buddhist, Daoist, Conf. groups, have them make charts giving concrete examples of why/why not the religion appealed to each group.
-Have the students present their findings and post their charts for ref. while they write.
-Have them write the essay using the guidelines you set out for them.
-Split your class into groups based on the three religions and have them debate eachother.

-Do you want them to use all three religions in their essay?
-Do you want them to choose a perspective, or assign a perspective. Ex. You are a scholar official...
-Do you want them to use examples from today, or keep in in the period they are studying?

I've visualized this in my head, but I don't know how well I've explained it here. If you have questions, please let me know. Maybe we can brainstorm for more ideas together.
😀
Julia