This Wide Angle video segment illustrates Islamic and secular elements of life in Turkey, and introduces Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey, and his reforms.
The Middle East conflict and terrorism are issues we hear about almost daily in the news. This lesson will use video clips from WIDE ANGLE's 'Suicide Bombers' (2004), Internet sites, and primary sources to examine the roots of the Middle East conflict. The video contains interviews with young Palestinians who participated -- or intended to participate -- in suicide bombings. These young Palestinians share the personal, religious, political and emotional reasons behind their participation in these suicide operations. This lesson could be used to review information about the three major monotheistic religions and their connections to Israel, to relate post-World War II policies to the current political state of the Middle East, and/or to get students to understand the roots of the terrorism that threatens the world we live in.
These lessons provide background on Islamic beliefs and Muslim history. They include a glossary of key terms, an overview of the origins, beliefs and practices of Islam, a biography of Muhammad, and a reading on Muslim history from the seventh to the twenty-first century. Map activities include the spread of Islam and its contemporary distribution in the world. A geography project outline completes the second group of lessons. The third group of lessons explores Islamic law and contemporary social issues. These lessons can be used alone, in any unit on historical and contemporary Islam, or in conjunction with all or parts of the "Frontline: Muslims" video.
In this lesson, students will investigate the traditions and spiritual aspects of Ramadan using segments from "Religion & Ethics Newsweekly". In each section there is an overview of information as well as questions and activities to use with students. Students will be able to: communicate the context and cultural significance of Ramadan; demonstrate the reason behind the timing and duration of Ramadan; and describe the origin of fasting and rituals associated with Ramadan. Time Allotment: Two to three 45-minute class periods.
