From Jerusalem to Elkader
Middle School Curriculum
By Sue Protheroe
An exploration of three Abrahamic faiths coming together (and colliding), an examination of Islam in particular, and a spotlight on the Algerian hero Abd el-Kader.
A comprehensive unit for middle school students, grades 6-9, presented in three lessons: 1) an exploration of sacred sites in Jerusalem and a comparison of three religions, 2) a focus on Islam and what it means to be Muslim, and 3) a study of Abd el-Kader and his connection to Iowa. Although the lessons build upon one another, they may be used in isolation.
Lesson One: Jerusalem
(4-5 class periods)
- Teacher Lesson Plan
- Viewing Reflection Guide Jerusalem
- Slides: Lesson One
- Map of the Middle East, one/student (optional)
- Sacred Sites of Jerusalem: Notes
- Sacred Sites of Jerusalem: Notes (teacher copy)
- Temple Mount
- Jerusalem Timeline
- World Religions Comparison Chart, one/student
- World Religions Comparison Chart (teacher copy)
- Formative Assessment 3
- Jerusalem: Sacred and Contentious Background Reading (PBS), one/student
- Jerusalem: Sacred and Contentious (video, PBS)
- Summative Assessment
- DVD: National Geographic Presents Jerusalem or Secrets of Jerusalem’s Holiest Sites
Lesson Two: Islam
(4-5 class periods)
- Teacher Lesson Plan
- “What does it mean to be Muslim?” (Secret Life of Muslims, Episode 1)
- Origins and Spread of Islam (7-page reading document, one/student)
- Origins and Spread of Islam: Formative Assessment (one/student)
- Slides: Lesson Two
- Animated Map Shows How Religion Spread Around the World
- Yusef Videos
- Five Pillars of Islam: Notes (one/student)
- Slides: Mosques
Lesson Three: Abd el-Kader to Elkader
(6 class periods)
- Teacher Lesson Plan
- Slides: Lesson Three
- Discover Mascara, Algeria (video)
- Viewing/Reflection Guide: Abd el-Kader: Childhood
- Chapter 2: An Unlikely Leader Emerges (from The Compassionate Warrior: Abd el-Kader of Algeria by Elsa Marston
- The Legend of the Horse
- Viewing/Reflection Guide: Abd el-Kader: Adulthood and Elkader
- Biography Script (for completion of timeline on Viewing/Reflection Guide: Abd el-Kader: Adulthood and Elkader)
- Abdelkader Stage Project (Middle School)
- Summative Assessment: Lesson Three
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 extremisms
- Provides role model of ethical leadership
- Encourages critical thinking and social/emotional learning
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.