LESSON VI
JIHAD VS. TERRORISM
60 MINUTES
OBJECTIVES:
LOCATION: Audio-Visual Projection room, or any classroom with an overhead projector, computer, Internet access, speakers, and blinds.
MATERIALS:
PROCEDURE:
10 minutes:
Discuss the Ground Zero Synagogue reading. Students should refer to their notes.
7 minutes:
Watch Lowkey's video, Terrorist.
JIHAD VS. TERRORISM
60 MINUTES
OBJECTIVES:
- To truly understand that there are ignorant Muslims who react violently to anything that offends Islam, like the Prophet Muhammad cartoons. This goes against the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet, who himself was subject to numerous hate crimes and never reacted with violence, but rather persevered. 1.6 billion adherents to a religion should not be labelled based on the actions of a fanatic minority.
- To realize that terrorism happens in the name of every religion, and in the name of atheism as well.
- To understand how the media can not only influence notions of what a specific word comes to mean, but can also end up defining it and changing its original meaning altogether. This could be noticed in words such as 'Jihad' and 'Shari'ah'. (We will deal with Jihad today, and Shari'ah next class).
LOCATION: Audio-Visual Projection room, or any classroom with an overhead projector, computer, Internet access, speakers, and blinds.
MATERIALS:
- Personal Journals
PROCEDURE:
10 minutes:
Discuss the Ground Zero Synagogue reading. Students should refer to their notes.
- Would you like to share your thoughts with the class?
- Has any of you been able to find any online evidence of protests against this synagogue?
- In your opinion, and based on this story, which country has more freedom of religion, USA or Lebanon?
7 minutes:
Watch Lowkey's video, Terrorist.
- Students should pay attention to both the lyrics (which are provided in the video) and the visuals.
- Prompt them to jot down anything they find significant, touching, or disturbing.
10 minutes:
Discuss the video
3 minutes:
Watch clip from My Name is Khan:
Discuss the video
- What message is Lowkey trying to convey?
- How does this relate to our past discussions about language and its impact?
- Can you give examples of the power of words?
3 minutes:
Watch clip from My Name is Khan:
10 minutes:
Discuss the video
Saying something like 'But I AM in my country' would have conveyed the message that many Muslims are in fact American and have known no other home. Despite his powerful answer, it almost confirms the myth that Muslims are outsiders, but then again the entire movie would have had a different story.
9 minutes:
Watch BBC interview with Hamza Yusuf-Jihad Vs. Terrorism:
Discuss the video
- Why are there so many videos on YouTube entitled I am not a Terrorist? Why do Muslims have to defend themselves?
- Do you agree with what Khan said?
- How could his answer at the very end of this clip been different?
- Do you think his answer is powerful or counterproductive? In what ways?
Saying something like 'But I AM in my country' would have conveyed the message that many Muslims are in fact American and have known no other home. Despite his powerful answer, it almost confirms the myth that Muslims are outsiders, but then again the entire movie would have had a different story.
9 minutes:
Watch BBC interview with Hamza Yusuf-Jihad Vs. Terrorism:
11 minutes:
Discuss the video
Discuss the video
- Do you agree with what Hamza Yusuf says in this interview?
- How would you describe the interviewer's attitude?
- Can you spot anything in his choice of words, intonation, or facial expressions that might confirm your thoughts?
HOMEWORK:
2. In your opinion, which of the three previous sources has the biggest impact and why? You might want to take the target audience into consideration when answering this question.
- Answer the following questions in your Personal Journal for next class. Although this assignment does not have a rubric, it will count toward your final grade in that not doing it will cost you marks from one of your graded assignments.
2. In your opinion, which of the three previous sources has the biggest impact and why? You might want to take the target audience into consideration when answering this question.
- Read the sections on the Status of Women in Islam, Hijab, Shari'ah, and Racial Equality on the Inspired by Muhammad website, which will be found on the second page of the 'What is Islam' section at the following link: http://www.inspiredbymuhammad.com/islam.php?&content_80=2. Take notes and write your thoughts in your Personal Journal.