Curated OER
Islam Expands: In spite of internal conflicts, the Muslims create a huge empire that includes land on three continents.
Beginning with a vocabulary review and ending with the Muslim Trade Network, this well-put-together presentation covers the events that lead to the spread of Islam. Also covered are internal conflicts which would provide a good...
Curated OER
Major Sects in Islam: The Sunni and the Shiites
Students examine the two major sects of Islam. They discuss the Sunnis and Shiites. Students identify the two major sects of Islam and where they are dominant in the world. They analyze the beliefs of the Sunni and Shiites and discuss...
BBC
Bbc: Sunni and Shia Muslims
An informative site to help explain the differences between Sunni and Shia (Shiite) Muslims. Discusses their beginnings and their split into two differently thinking groups.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: The Role of the Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites in Iraq
A way to discuss the complex formation of the Iraqi government with students. This lesson plan shows students the different ethnic groups within Iraq and how their views and opinions effect not only Iraq but the surrounding countries and...
New York Times
New York Times: Ethnic and Sectarian Tensions in Iraq
An interactive map that shows the different ethnic groups throughout Iraq. The map has video and audio and tries to explain the relationships and conflicts between the three main groups in Iraq. (25 June 2006)
CBS
Cbs News: Religions
An interactive map that gives an overview of the different religions that make up Iraq. Shows where each religion is concentrated and what areas of the country it controls.
Other
Fasting, According to the Five Schools of Islamic Law
This website discusses how the Five Schools of Islamic Law view fasting, which is one of the Pillars of Islam. Shows how each School of Islamic Law has different views towards an obligatory task of all Muslims. Specifically talks about...
New York Times
New York Times: Evolution of Islam
Interactive media timeline that gives a brief description of Islam, the spread of Islam, the different Islamic groups, and the conflict in the Middle East.
Other
Teachable moment.org: Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Americans, and Problems
An analysis of the new government in Iraq and how the different ethnic groups will work into the new government. Case studies for learners and ideas for follow up activities after this lesson.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Introduction to Islam
This short introduction to Islam covers the origins and the life of Muhammad the Prophet, the Qur'an, and the four "rightly-guided" Caliphs.
BBC
Bbc: 'Bin Laden' Warning to Iraq Shias
Relates Bin Laden's opinion that it is important that the Iraqi Shias do not continue to attack the Iraqi Sunni Muslims. Discusses the tensions between the two groups, and why they are attacking each other. (2 July 2006)
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Najaf, a Holy City Caught in the Crossfire (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that provides insights into the Iraqi response to a U.S. military incursion into Najaf, an Iraqi religious center. The lesson involves learning about the two main branches of Islam: Shiitism and Sunnism. Students identify why...