Unit Guide

Introduction to Islam in the ELA Classroom

James R Wilks

This 9 day, 90 minute block scheduled curriculum seeks to introduce high school age students to the basic tenets of Islam and to provide an introduction to Islam and Arabic literature. After exploring the five pillars of Islam, the students will be exposed to a passage from the Koran, two chapters from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and the Introduction and first three Nights of The Arabian Nights Tales of 1001 Nights Volume 1. The Autobiography of Malcolm X provides both an introduction to Islam from the view of an outsider as well as an example of differing views on Islam, and The Arabian Nights provides a literary, and thus cultural, backdrop to Islam. Through an exploration of these works, students will examine the ways that religion and literature can interact to affect and form culture. Sample lessons are provided, calling for both classroom discussion and group work.