Resources Developed by the Center for Global Studies

• Debate surrounding the 2004 French Law banning the conspicuous display of religious symbols in public schools (includes video and a curriculum guide developed for grades 7-12)
• Contesting Paradigms and Redefining Perceptions of the Middle East – PPT PDF
  Scroll down to the appropriately titled section for links to video, session powerpoint, and a curriculum guide
• Language in the Non-Language Classroom
  This section explores the use and misuse of certain “hot words” of the Arabic language that are commonly found in the U.S. media. The defining and re-defining of such terminology will allow students to readdress the popular portrayal that has been experienced in today’s media. Scroll down to the appropriately titled section for links to video, session powerpoint, and a curriculum guide.

Islam and Muslims: A Historical Overview

• Introducing Islam to non-Muslims
  This webpage introduces Islam to non-Muslims. It provides very basic information on what Islam means, who Muslims are, and what Islamic beliefs and principles entail.
• Three Religions; One God
  This webpage provides information on the three Abrahamic religions, their histories and basic principles. There is also a brief section on how Islam sees Christianity and Judaism. Useful resource for reflections on inter-faith relations.
• Teaching the Middle East
  This website is more advanced and delves extensively into history. However, the section titled “The Middle East as Seen Through Foreign Eyes” might be helpful in discussing western stereotypes regarding Muslims and Islam.
• Islamic Rulership and Justice
  This website is about the rulership and justice issued out during the Islamic Period
• The Question of Identity: Islamic Period:  Diversity and Pluralism
  This website covers ethnics and religious makeups of the Middle East and how they affected national and religious identities
• Empires to Nation-States: Islamic Period
  Learn about the political history of the Middle East from the seventh to the twentieth centuries CE. Trace the rise of vast, diverse empires under Islamic rule and their transformation into nation-states.

Origins of Islam

• Penn Arts and Sciences Middle East Center (includes lesson plans)
• Patheos Library: Islam
  This webpage gives a brief and easy to follow explanation of the beginning of Islam as well as its history and beliefs

Muslims and Arabs

• Introducing Islam To non-Muslims
• Teaching the Middle East
• Difference Between Muslims and Arabs (a quick summary of the differences between Muslims and Arabs)
• Arabs vs. Muslims (there is a difference) – ADDtvChannel (a brief video highlighting the differences between the two)

Islamic Beliefs and Principles

• A Brief History of Islam
• Basic Islamic Beliefs
• Penn Arts and Sciences Middle East Center (includes lesson plans)
• Islamic Infographics (infographics on some Islamic beliefs and practices)

Islam and Other Religions

• Three Religions; One God
  This webpage provides information on the three Abrahamic religions, their histories and basic principles. There is also a brief section on how Islam sees Christianity and Judaism. Useful resource for reflections on inter-faith relations.

Islam and the West

• Misperceptions and Stereotypes Westerners hold about Islam and the Middle East and Vice Versa
• Infographic about Misconceptions
• “Clash of Civilization”: East and West (includes lesson plans)
• What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?
  Please scroll down and click on “What does Islam say about terrorism?”

Women in Islam

• Most Common Questions asked by Non-Muslims
• Roles of women in the Middle East and Islamic Societies (includes lesson plans)
• Gender and Middle Eastern Women (includes lesson plans)

Religious Holidays and Important Dates

• Lailatulqadr
• Muslim Holidays
• Infographics about different dates and holidays

Current World Issues

• The War on ISIS: Views From Syrian Activists and Intellectuals (article)
• ISIS facts (informative and easy to follow overview of ISIS and the conflicts in Syria and Iraq)
• CNN ISIS Fast Facts
• New York Times: The ISIS Threat (includes lesson plans)
• A Simple Explanation of ISIS in 5 Minutes
  A brief video about ISIS and what they are doing in the region (kid friendly)
• The ISIS Threat: Teaching About the Complex War Raging in Iraq and Syria
  A lesson plan and a brief video on ISIS, their goals and tactics
• Anonymous vs. ISIS
  Anonymous announces that it is going to go after ISIS on the internet (kid friendly)

Islam and the Media

• Media Portrayals of Religion: Islam
  This website gives a brief overview of how the media’s view on Islam changed after September 11th.
• Negative Portrayals of Muslims Get More Media Attention
  This website uses statistics to point out how negative messages do better than positive ones when it comes to reporting Islam

Comprehensive Resources

• Internet Islamic History Sourcebook
  This website offers extensive information on the ancient, medieval and modern periods of Islam with maps and further resources. It also provides information on Islamic Faith and Theology, Sufism and Women in Islam.
• Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS)
  This website, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, offers curricular materials for all educational levels.
• Penn Arts and Sciences Middle East Center
  An extensive Middle East and Islam resources page. Extremely useful for further inquiries. Includes lesson plans.