Explores and criticizes the negative image of Islamic culture often fostered by Western media. Briefly considers the career, contributions, and example of Yusuf Islam (the former Cat Stevens). Includes a list of common misconceptions about Islam followed by corrective information. (MJP)

This volume offers a full country study of the structure and content of the educational system of Indonesia, together with a formal set of placement recommendations for admissions officers placing Indonesian students in U.S. higher education institutions. The chapters are: (1) "Overview" (past and current educational system development);…

This 6th grade social studies unit delves into the belief systems and external religious, cultural practices of Black Africans. It is part of a series of guides developed by the Public Education Religion Studies Center at Wright State University. Study is focused upon the Ashanti tribe of Ghana knowing that although the multiplicity of tribes have…

Available evidence suggests that Islamic (or Quranic) schools, as the primary contemporary example of indigenous schooling, have made major changes in various countries where they remain active. These include changes in the nature of instruction, style of teaching, and teacher corps. In general, these changes have been made in response to social…

Elected president of Iran in 1997, Khatami promised to bring about political reform, freedom, and religious democracy. He charged schools with creating moral, politicized, and empowered individuals with a strong Iranian-Islamic identity, but capable of relating to the West. While reflecting some of Khatami's goals and values, schools continue to…

Discusses existing systems of industrial education in Arab-Islamic countries, surveys Arab-Islamic culture, examines existing models in relation to their cultural appropriateness, and proposes a model for a kind of industrial university, the Djamiat Al-Sinah, which would be devoted to the culture specific vocational/industrial education of…

This teacher narrative tells the story of the making of a multicultural English teacher, beginning with the author's roots in a remote village in central Java and tracing his journey through a range of educational institutions. In a series of critical reflections, the author discusses a range of social and cultural influences as these impacts on…

Since the events of September 11, 2001, Islamic institutions of learning have received much attention. Indonesia's "pesantren" (Islamic boarding schools) have been increasingly described as fostering radicalism and violent militancy, particularly in light of purported links between a few of the country's "pesantren" and some of…

The present study tried to find out whether Saudi history textbooks for grades 4-12 contain global themes, in which grade levels global themes are introduced, the percentage of global themes, local history themes and Islamic history themes, and which global history themes are taught. A checklist of global history themes was developed. Those are:…

The primary goal of the Children's Sabbaths and Children's Days is to inspire new long-term actions to help children and families. During the Children's Sabbath, religious services and programs focus on the needs of children and ways in which the religious community can help meet those needs. This booklet is designed to provide religious…

This teaching and resource guide contains ideas appropriate for teaching junior and senior high school students about the following religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Individual sections discuss general approaches to teaching the religious philosophies and rituals, and exemplary…

These books offer primary source readings focusing on significant eras of world history and the pivotal role of the Middle East. Each "crossroad" examines a particular juncture in world history through the cultural and economic crosscurrents that existed at the time. The eras identified include: (1) "The Medieval Period"; (2)…

These books offer primary source readings focusing on issues of identity and personality in the Middle East. Individual sections of the books examine a particular issue in personality development through the perspectives of Islamic religion and cultural tradition. The issues of identity include: (1) "Religion"; (2) "Community";…

This simulation allows students to learn about the history and culture of Islam and the Islamic world by "becoming" Muslims. There are five phases of the unit. Students are assigned to a city, choose an Arabic name, and become familiar with their group and responsibilities outlined in the Student Guide. In the introduction section,…

This presentation is designed to be part of a unit of study on the Middle East for sixth-grade students. The presentation is combined with independent and group research covering the people, geography, history, and economies of the countries of the Middle East. The presentation explains that Israel is a unique country in the Middle Eastern region…