For smatterings of religion, I'd say it might be 
fun to show a couple of episodes of Tenchi Muyo 
that feature the family's Shinto shrine.  Also, 
Gatekeepers, Saber Marionette J, and others show 
those little wooden ancestor shrines kept in 
many Japanese houses -- that's a nice touch of 
daily religious life.  ^_^

Oh!  And while I'm thinking of it, all three of 
those shows (and Card Captor Sakura, and probably 
a ton of other anime) have an episode which takes 
place at one of the traditional Japanese holiday 
festivals.  These would be a great way to show off 
clothing, customs, food, and activities!  Same 
with school festivals, which look like a lot of 
fun from what we've seen in anime.

As for feminism, it seems to me that it's a 
two-sided issue.  *grin*  If you'll look at most 
shoujo anime, which is aimed of course at young 
girls, you'll find very strong and competent 
female characters (see Rayearth as a prime 
example) who learn to depend on themselves and 
each other.  

Shounen anime, though, caters to a more 
traditional view of women, as well as to its 
primary audience of young and teenage boys, with 
female characters who compete (often enough, in 
the kitchen, heehee!) for the attention of the 
lead male character.  While some of these females 
are strong-willed characters, they're generally 
either physically or emotionally dependant in some 
way.  Tenchi Muyo is once again a prime example, 
but Saber Marionette J or even the relatively 
obscure Dual would be just as handy for 
demonstration.

I'd say a far more intriguing concept to explore, 
though, in terms of social attitudes, is the 
Japanese obsession with technology -- it's very 
much a love/hate sort of thing.  Technology as 
miracle provider, technology as apocalyptic 
destroyer, technology as an unwelcome replacement 
for mankind -- check Spriggan for a rather wry 
look at how the West is seen as using technical 
advantage for world domination, or the FANSUBBED 
version of Gundam Wing (far, far more accurate 
than the retail sub) for ruminations on man's role 
in a fast-evolving technological universe.

Of course, for every show I list here in a certain 
genre, there's another show in the same genre 
which contradicts it (*grin*), but that's the 
nature of creativity and entertainment.  These 
generalizations are what I've found to be MOST 
OFTEN true about a certain issue or genre, and I 
suspect they would make for intriguing discussion 
in your new class.

It sounds like you've bitten off a challenging 
project -- one which should be a lot of fun for 
both you and your students.  GOOD LUCK, and you'll 
have to let us know how it all works out!!  ^_^