High School Curriculum
Three Harvard Pluralism Project cases entitled “A Young Imam;” “America’s Mother Mosque”; and ”A House on 6th Street” are lively narratives of Muslims in America. These contemporary case studies serve as companion pieces to “Rumors in Damascus / In the Shadow of the Sword: Emir Abdelkader and Ethical Leadership.” These are powerful materials that can be used in the classroom in several interactive 45-minute periods.
Resources
Bibliography
- Khan, Daisy. Wiseup: Knowledge Ends Extremism. Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality & Equality, 2018.
- Kiser, John W. Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El Kader. Monkfish Book Pub., 2008.
- Marston, Elsa. Compassionate Warrior – Abd El-Kader of Algeria. World Wisdom Books, 2013.
Other Selected Readings
- Bouyerdene, Ahmed. Emir Abdelkader: Hero and Saint of Islam. World Wisdom, 2012.
- Churchill, Charles-Henry. The Life of Abd el Kader, ex Sultan of the Arabs of Algeria. Chapman Hall, 1867.
- Danziger, Raphael. Abd al-Qadir and the Algerians. Holmes and Meier, 1977.
- DeTocqueville, Alexis. Writings on Empire and Slavery (translated by Jennifer Pitts) Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
- Kiser, John W. The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love and Terror in Algeria. St. Martins Press, 2003
- Kiser, John W. Lessons From An Arab Warrior
- Hourani, Albert. Islam in European Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
- Johnston, Douglas, Religion Terror and Error: American Foreign Policy and the Challenge of Spiritual Engagement. Santa Barbara: Praeger, 2011.
- Nasr, Hossein. Man and Nature, The Spiritual Crisis of Modern Man. Chicago: ABC International Group Inc, 1997.
Why teach the life and times of Emir Abdelkader?
- Uncovers little-known facts about America's heartland
- Adds historical lens of the conquered, highlighting story of resistance
- Challenges stereotypes
- Broadens notions of American cultural, ethnic, and religious identities
- Offers international perspective beyond eurocentric history
- Counters extremism
- Provides role model of ethical leadership
- Encourages critical thinking and social/emotional learning
