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Global Condemnations of ISIS/ISIL
A common criticism of Muslims globally is that they remain silent, and therefore are essentially complicit, in the face of violence, extremism, and terrorism in the name of Islam. But this is not the case at all. Often the loudest critics of extremism are the co-religionists themselves, not content to let the voices of hate dominate the discourse. Although large news networks seldom carry these Muslim voices of peace, a simple search will turn up all manner of condemnations of those whose actions tarnish the image and teachings of Islam. Below, we offer only the tip of the iceberg of Muslims worldwide speaking out against violence and extremism. We also share the reflections of Christians who refuse to easterallow the religion of Islam be conflated with terrorists who proclaim the faith. SEE the list of links to these statements.
Exhibition “1001 Inventions” and learning activities
Online exhibits from the internationally known exhibition and website on Islam, Science and influential inventions. See also "Fun & Learning" menu, with book, posters, activities and more.
Tomljanovic, Tatiana. Ramadan. Weigl Publishers, Incorporated, 2006.
Description of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and its celebration, ages 8-10 years.
Titles, Streaming & Lesson Links to Unity Productions Foundation Films
This resource is a list with descriptions of Unity Productions Foundation films and the teaching resources that accompany them, and the link to stream the films in the classroom, also SEE https://georgetown.box.com/s/pvuoyth1x17o7kqsstbols6wmn0d787g
The Terrorism Equation
The Terrorism Equation, a 10-minute video on the issue of the relationship between Islam and terrorism, on the Islamic principles relevant to extremists’ claims about terrorism as jihad. The film for general audiences provides a clear argument about the definition of jihad and its application and other relevant issues related to Islamic law and practice, and the problem of terrorism and civil society. The video is posted on Vimeo.com at http://vimeo.com/11385557
The Sword – Historical Fiction
Historical fiction for student reading in several chapters on Islamic Spain and its culture is part of the complete set of lessons for comprehension and enrichment written to accompany the Unity Productions Foundation documentary film Cities of Light, in addition to interactive online features, articles, slide shows, timelines and maps is found at http://www.islamicspain.tv. The Lesson Plan Set is available for download in pdf format (individual lesson titles and the complete set on the site at http://www.islamicspain.tv/For-Teachers/LessonPlans.htm).
The Sultan and the Saint
The Sultan and the Saint film by Unity Productions Foundation tells one of the great, lost stories from history. Set in a past period of East-West conflict, it speaks with urgency to our present. Two men of faith, one a traveling Christian preacher, the other the ruler of a Muslim Empire, bucked a century of war, distrust, and insidious propaganda in a search for mutual respect and common ground. It is the story of Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, and their meeting on a bloody battlefield during the period of Christian- Muslim conflict known as the Crusades. Curriculum with extensive lesson plans can be downloaded as a pdf at https://georgetown.box.com/s/pvuoyth1x17o7kqsstbols6wmn0d787g.
The Masjid in the American Landscape: Civic Rights
The Masjid in the American Landscape: Civic Rights: this lesson focuses on the segment of the film dealing with Muslims seeking to build a masjid (mosque) in Palos Heights, IL. Students explore the relevant civic issues and rights, and consider the role of interfaith dialogue as a means to achieve greater understanding between groups of Americans. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson.
The Islam Project
A set of lessons written to accompany the documentary film Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet features lessons on pre-Islamic history, a summary of the biography of Muhammad, important personages in early Islamic history, vocabulary, information on Five Pillars; lessons on the spread of Islam based on historical research, chronologies, maps
The Geography of the Islamic Empire and Al-Andalus
Lesson plan and Readings on Historical Background of the Abrahamic Faiths is part of the complete set of lessons for comprehension and enrichment written to accompany the Unity Productions Foundation documentary film Cities of Light, in addition to interactive online features, articles, slide shows, timelines and maps is found at http://www.islamicspain.tv. The Lesson Plan Set is available for download in pdf format (individual lesson titles and the complete set on the site at http://www.islamicspain.tv/For-Teachers/LessonPlans.htm).
The Geography and Cultures of Muslim Countries lesson plan
The Geography and Cultures of Muslim Countries: This lesson features hands-on projects for students that help them learn about the Muslim country of their choice. Students collaborate to conceptualize an informational website and television commercial for a given country. Alternatives include preparing a speech at the UN and designing a pamphlet about a chosen country. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson.
Barnard, Bryn, The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013
Rich resource for cross-over lessons on science, technology and culture. Publishers Weekly: "The books we read, the music we play, the words we speak... all were shaped, at least in part, by Islam," writes Barnard in this concise and eloquent exploration of the far-reaching influence of Islam over the centuries. Each spread is devoted to a different subject (writing, Arabic numerals, architecture, astronomy, agriculture), while captioned spot art homes in on specific inventions and innovations (the zither, the astrolabe, advanced medical knowledge). Though the focus is on Islam's manifold cultural contributions, Barnard closes with a chilling reminder of the ways in which 16th-century Europeans, led by Petrarch, worked to claim such advancements as their own and obscure their origins. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)
The Bible and Public Schools
The Bible and Public Schools (99-F03) This pamphlet is similar to the Teachers Guide to Religion in the Public Schools, but it addresses the issue of using the Bible as content, and by extension other religious scriptures, in public school settings. Excellent for professional development use.
The Art of the Qur’an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
About fifty beautiful manuscripts from Herat to Istanbul are featured in The Art of the Qur’an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts exhibition. Celebrated for their superb calligraphy and lavish illumination, these manuscripts from the 8th to the 17th century—are critical to the history of the arts of the book. They were once the prized possessions of Ottoman sultans and the ruling elite, who donated their Qur’ans to various institutions to express their personal piety and secure political power. Each manuscript tells a unique story, which will be explored in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. A wonderful set of interactive teaching tools are featured--scroll down to find.
The Alhambra Palace in Spain
A virtual walking tour of the Nadrid era Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It features 360 degree views and detailed explanations of the architectural and decorative features, and their significance. (Since Adobe Flash is no longer supported, install alternative Flash emulator Ruffles (http://ruffles.rs) to view the presentation.