Getting To Know Muslim Americans and Their Faith

INTRODUCTION

This curriculum was designed to supplement content standards in social studies and world history as it relates to the study of world religions and their contributions to civilization. The curriculum is composed of five individual lesson plans, each of which focuses on a different section of the digital presentation, Getting to Know Muslim Americans and Their Faith. Every lesson includes detailed notes that describe each slide in the presentation. Each lesson also features post-presentation analysis, comprehension and discussion questions, as well as links to dozens of videos and film clips on topics related to the presentation, accompanied by follow-up questions about each video. At the end of each lesson is a listing of additional resources, including both books and websites.

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LESSON ONE: TERMINOLOGY & DEMOGRAPHICS

This lesson introduces basic terminology, including the most commonly used Muslim greeting and the meanings of the words “Muslim” and “Islam.” It also covers key demographics of Muslims throughout the world, including the total global population, and major regions where Muslims live. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the great diversity among Muslims, and some examples of Muslim contributions to civilization.

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LESSON TWO: MUSLIM AMERICANS

This lesson examines three interconnected topics. First, it looks at the long history of Muslims in the United States and gives some examples of early Muslim Americans. Second, it provides basic demographics about the diverse Muslim population in the United States. The lesson concludes with examples of notable Muslim Americans today, including comedians, athletes, academics, and government officials.

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LESSON THREE: BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

This lesson provides an overview of the six major Islamic beliefs which mirror many beliefs in the other Abrahamic faiths. It then examines the five major practices, commonly known as the Five Pillars, many of which are also practiced in other faiths. The lesson also describes the two major Muslim holidays, which are connected to two of the pillars. It concludes with a description of the goal of religious beliefs and practices, which is to develop good character, including the obligation to treat others as we would like to be treated.

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LESSON FOUR: ADDRESSING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

This lesson begins by describing Islamophobia and its origins, including systemic Islamophobia, before examining the impact of Islamophobia on public perceptions and Muslim Americans. It then focuses on common misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, specifically the topics of moderation in religion, Islam’s unequivocal prohibition of terrorism, and gender equity.

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LESSON FIVE: VIEWS OF OTHER RELIGIONS

This lesson begins with a look at Islam’s teachings about religious pluralism. It then describes some of the shared beliefs and practices between Islam and the other Abrahamic faiths, as well as practices and values shared by multiple faiths. Many of the films featured in this lesson highlight the many commonalities shared between faiths, as well as the importance of faith groups working together for the common good.

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