Frontline: Muslims

Previewing Vocabulary

By Susan L. Douglass and Nadia Pervez  - 2003

Overview

The purpose of this activity is to acquaint students with vocabulary related to Islam and Muslim history in the film Frontline: Muslims. Students will work with the vocabulary from the film by categorizing the names and terminology, then work with the definitions after viewing.

Objectives

The student will be able to:

• Categorize terms and proper names associated with beliefs, practices, groups and historical events related to Islam and Muslims in the modern era.
• Locate place names on contemporary and historical maps.
• Define terms related to Islamic beliefs and practices.
• Identify individuals and define categories related to contemporary Muslim society.

Procedure

1. Cut the vocabulary words and definitions from Handout 1a into strips. Form students into groups of three or four and give each some strips to sort into four categories. Have them record the words in each category on the chart, Handout 1b. The teacher can assist if necessary.
2. Locate place names on a world map, or use the IslamProject Map "Muslim World, ca. 2000" (see http://www.theislamproject.org/education/Maps.htm).
3. Terms on beliefs and practices may be familiar to students who have already studied Islam in a history or geography course prior to viewing the film. If not, the class should read and discuss the definitions of these basic terms, groups and concepts in the glossary, and plan to use the introductory lessons in this collection.
4. Adaptation: For younger, ESOL or mixed ability students, the definition strips can be cut so that each includes only the words in boldface type and/or use only those marked with **, which denotes basic terms.
5. As other lessons for the Frontline: Muslims film require, refer to the definitions of terms in the glossary and discuss. Some of these terms are quite complex, such as those referring to spiritual, legal and intellectual traditions, or Islamic concepts that have been applied in varied historical settings and situations over 1400 years, across many Muslim regions.
6. Extension or Assessment: Make vocabulary flashcards. Use glue sticks to mount the word on the front side of a 3x5 index card, and the definition (simplified or full) on the back. Cards can be used for an information recall game, in which an announcer reads the word on the face of the card, and contestants take turns giving the definition. Contestants can gain extra points for additional information.