world history
World History For Us All Era 5 pf the World History For Us All online curriculum features Islamic history, especially in the Panorama lesson in brief form, in Landscape 5.2 Islam and Afroeurasia and 5.3 Consolidation of the Trans-Hemispheric Network, and later eras, such as Landscape 6.7 The Long Reach of the Major Religions include lessons as relevant to pre-modern and modern history.
British historian Bettany Hughes hosts the full length documentary, “When the Moors Ruled Europe.” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/when-moors-ruled-europe/. Tour of sites and insightful conversations with Spanish scholars and important figures in Spanish society to gain insights into attitudes around the period of Muslim rule and the aftermath of the so-called Reconquista. Also to stream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oafKyRDagsY
From a set of books by various authors that introduce the major world religions in a simple, well-illustrated format. What Do We Know About Christianity; What Do We Know About Judaism; What Do We Know About Islam; What Do We Know About Hinduism; What Do We Know About Buddhism; and other titles on historical periods and cultures. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, various copyrights.
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.
Graphic novel version of the true story of the woman who, with members of her community, saved books during the Iraq war. Publishers Weekly featured review.
An intriguing look at the famous Muslim traveler.
Prince Among Slaves recounts the true story of an African Muslim prince who was captured and sold into slavery in the American South. After 40 years of enslavement, he finally regained his freedom, became a national celebrity, and dined in the White House. This is an incredible story about an incredible man who endured the humiliation of slavery without ever losing his dignity or his hope for freedom. Prince Among Slaves is based on the book by historian Terry Alford (1977) was conceived, designed, and executive produced by Unity Productions Foundation (UPF), and received substantial NEH planning and production funding in 2005 and 2006. The companion teaching resources help to contextualize the film and book in American history, as well as addressing contemporary issues of identity and migration.
Hanan al-Hroub, who works with children exposed to violence, wins a global prize for her significant contribution to children’s’ education.
When and where did the first complete, coherent, and well organized system of medicine develop? Read this research paper to discover the fascinating accomplishment in medical care over 1000 years ago! From the National Library of Health. See also Parts I and II.
Hajar R. The Air of History Part III: The Golden Age in Arab Islamic Medicine An Introduction. Heart Views. 2013 Jan;14(1):43-6. doi: 10.4103/1995-705X.107125. PMID: 23580929; PMCID: PMC3621228.
David MacCaulay’s book Mosque in the architecture series features the work of famous Turkish archictect in Ottoma Istanbul Mosque. View a readaloud version by MrPsWorldHistory at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EjXYMMZg2U. See also for comparison of sacred and secular architecture, by the same author/architect, Cathedral, Castle, City, Pyramid, and others. See also animated films of same names.
Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet tells the story of a man who changed the world 1,400 years ago and now lives in the United States through the lives of the millions of Americans who regard him as God’s prophet. It travels in the footsteps of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad to the Arabian Desert and the holy city of Mecca where Muhammad’s story unfolded. But the film does not just stay in the past. Much of its story is told through the observations of contemporary American Muslims, including a fireman at the World Trade Center on September 11th, a second generation Arab-American family building a community based on Islamic principles, a Congressional Chief of Staff working for justice, and a refugee fleeing religious persecution, whose experiences in some way echo Muhammad’s life. Lesson plans can be found at two companion websites with different content: http://theIslamProject.org AND the PBS site at https://www.pbs.org/show/muhammad-legacy-prophet/.
A beautifully illustrated guide to a mosque from the Ottoman period by famous architect Sinan. Online version to borrow from OpenLibrary
Students evaluate comments made by individuals in the film. The quotes touch upon topics such as Expressions of Faith, Family and Communal Aspects of Muslim Life, Unity and Diversity Among Muslims, Muslims in Mainstream American Society, and Muslim Responses to Extremism in Religion. Students will be better able to distinguish between “Islamic” teachings and “Muslim” practices which may or may not conform to the faith’s widely-held principles and ideals. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or standalone. Here is the lesson plan as a pdf lp_FM-C01_ValuesPracticesFaith-C01
A Short video depicting three teenagers who are researching how the modern world has been impacted by the Dark Ages. They meet the Librarian (Sir Ben Kingsley) who guides them through a journey of discovery about the ancient Golden Age. This video is a project of the international exhibition with many other teaching resources at and a page of additional videos at https://www.1001inventions.com/films-and-videos/
Lesson plan and Readings on the origins of Islamic science and its transfer across the Mediterranean to Spain and into Europe 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).
Links to exhibits and collections on Islam at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Detroit Institute of the Arts Islamic Collection, Victoria & Albert Museum Palace and Mosque exhibit (see also sidebar links on the site), The British Museum Galleries by World Region) A few examples are https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/islamic-art AND http://www.lacma.org/art/collection/islamic-art AND https://dia.org/learning AND http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/i/islamic-art-and-design/
Gallery Guide: Arts of the Islamic World (Smithsonian Freer & Sackler Galleries, now renamed National Museum of Asian Art) are featured by exhibit, and objects in the permanent collections are searchable.