The Cham people are an ethnic minority in Cambodia making up about two percent of the total population. Most of the Cham people practice Islam and maintain their cultural identity through their own distinct language and traditions while living in a country that is predominantly Buddhist and Khmer speaking. The Cham have faced multiple challenges throughout history in Cambodia, especially during the period of Khmer Rouge.
No specific prior learned background information is needed, but rather former knowledge of one's own and other cultures, based on previously viewed photos. Culture can be defined as shared behaviors, values, customs and beliefs in a society. Culture will shape how a group interacts with the world around them. However, the teacher should have a clear understanding of the Cambodian cultures presented through the previewed photographs to clarify and help guide students through analysis of the photographs. They can reference this resource if they need additional information https://www.britannica.com/place/Cambodia/Cultural-life.
No specific prior learned background information is needed, but rather former knowledge of one's own and other cultures, based on previously viewed photos. Culture can be defined as shared behaviors, values, customs and beliefs in a society. Culture will shape how a group interacts with the world around them. However, the teacher should have a clear understanding of the Cambodian cultures presented through the previewed photographs to clarify and help guide students through analysis of the photographs. They can reference this resource if they need additional information https://www.britannica.com/place/Cambodia/Cultural-life.
Cambodia’s borders have changed significantly over time due to settlements, wars, colonialism, and treaties. The large territory that was controlled by the Khmer Empire in Southeast Asia which included present day Cambodia was redrawn after independence from France in the mid-twentieth century. Cambodia’s disputed border with Thailand has also been a flash point for conflict for decades.
Students will be able to explain the impact of French Colonialism on Cambodia through synthesizing information and analyzing motivations of both the French and the Cambodian governments.
Students should be familiar with background information about the Kingdom of Cambodia (1953–1970) that is between the Colonial Period (French Protectorate of Cambodia 1863–1953) and Pre-Civil War (Khmer Republic 1970–1975) and Khmer Rouge Communist Regime Years (Democratic Kampuchea 1975–1979). Through these lessons, the teacher will introduce students to the country that Cambodian people lived in prior to the genocide. Teachers will familiarize students to the world that once was prior to the wars and authoritarian governments.
“In pre revolutionary Cambodia, the Buddhist temple (wat in Pali, the holy language of Theravada Buddhism; vat in Khmer) was a central fixture in Khmer villages, where it functioned not only as a religious shrine but also as a school, refuge, and social center. Buddhist holy days and life-cycle ceremonies punctuated the Khmer calendar and gave religious meaning to the stages of life. Buddhist norms of conduct were important guides for daily behavior.” (Smith-Hefner, 21).
Buddhism was founded more than 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama in India. After witnessing The Four Sites, Siddhartha Gautama left the palace. Siddhartha lived several years as an ascetic before obtaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree where he became Buddha Gautama. He composed the Four Noble Truths, four primary teachings that reflect the reality of existing in this life. Buddha Gautama established the Noble Eightfold Path as a guide to help people end the cycle of suffering. The Three Jewels of Buddhism are the Buddham, Dharma, and Sangh. Currently Three Traditions of Buddhism survive at the time of this writing: Vajrayana, Mahayana, and Theravada. Each with their own doctrine. Buddhism is the dominant religious belief of the Cambodian (Khmer) people of the World. The majority of Khmer people follow the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. The institutions of Buddhism were systematically oppressed in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge Communist Regime from 1975–1979 resulting in the destruction of pagodas and the death of monks. Buddhism in Cambodia was restored after the Khmer Rouge Communist Regime was removed from power. (History Channel)
Through studying the City of Angkor, students will gain an understanding of the rich culture and achievements of the Khmer Empire. They will gain knowledge of the religious practices and the architecture of temples including Angkor Wat.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Khmer Empire's historical rise in the ninth century to its decline in the fifteenth century. Through facilitated discussions and hands-on activities about the city of Angkor, they will develop analytical skills.
