High School Curriculum
Three lessons supporting learning objectives of Unit 6, AP World History: Modern, using the life of Abd el-Kader as a case study.
By Jennifer Sayed
This series of three lessons supports several learning objectives of the AP World History: Modern, Unit 6, utilizing the life of Abd el-Kader as a case study. Furthermore, the lessons introduce students to historical evidence contradicting several assumed truths of contemporary world affairs that work counter to mutual understanding between religious and cultural groups.
Note: These lessons incorporate pieces of the Islamic Networks Group (ING) curriculum Emir Abd el-Kader: A Muslim Hero for Our Time. All ING material is available for downloading; free registration is required.
Lesson Materials
Lesson One: Coming of Age
Lesson Two: Ethical Leadership
Lesson Three: 'Protector' & Human Rights Pioneer
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
