Sweden Åk 8 Religion Curriculum

Religion is a compulsory non-denominational subject in Swedish schools, taught from first grade throughout all school years. The teaching is 'objective and pluralistic'. The curriculum aims to provide students with knowledge about various religions, religious life-views, religious practices, history of religion, and existential questions. Christianity plays a central role in the syllabus.

Key Concepts

• Non-denominational: The curriculum focuses on teaching about religions objectively, rather than promoting any specific faith.
• Pluralistic: The curriculum covers a wide range of religions and life views, reflecting the diversity of beliefs in society.
• Objective: The teaching aims to be neutral and unbiased, presenting information about religions factually.
• Existential Questions: The curriculum explores fundamental questions about life, meaning, and purpose, often in relation to religious perspectives.

Curriculum Content Examples for Åk 8

• Christianity in Sweden: The curriculum covers the role and development of Christianity in Swedish society, from a single church to religious diversity and secularism.
• World Religions: Students learn about the central tenets and scriptures of major world religions, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
• Religious Life in Society: The curriculum explores the relationship between religion and society, and how religion influences different aspects of life.
• Critical Thinking: Students develop skills in critically examining sources of information and societal issues related to religion and other life views.
• Ethics and Morality: The curriculum addresses moral and ethical questions, and how different religions and life views approach these issues.

Resources

• Skolverket (Swedish National Agency for Education): This website provides information about the Swedish curriculum, including the curriculum for Religion. (Note: This link is to the Swedish version of the website. An English translation of the curriculum may be available elsewhere.)