The role of Islam and Muslims in American society has been at the forefront of public attention lately. When international events like the killing of Bin Laden or the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks take place, attention is directed to the American Muslim community. Your students can benefit from films that introduce this community.
For a limited time, Unity Productions Foundation, the producer of award-winning films as seen on PBS (Talking Through Walls, On a Wing and a Prayer, and the theatrically released Allah Made Me Funny) are offering them complimentary to social studies teachers in the U.S. and Canada. The films and associated lesson plans and discussion guides enable your students to understand issues such as:
- Constitutional freedoms including freedom of religion (Talking Through Walls).
- Understanding diversity, stereotypes, and prejudice (Allah Made Me Funny).
- Post 9/11 civil rights issues (On a Wing and a Prayer).
When you agree to show one of these films in your classroom, discuss, and evaluate it with your students by December 20th, 2011, we will send you the DVD free of charge. You may sign up for more than one film. Offer eligible for high school and college teachers.
“I recommend these films to teachers around the country, because they open up discussion of critical civic issues like Constitutional freedoms of religion and speech and how to resolve the tensions inherent in living in a multicultural, multiethnic, multi-confessional society.”
Barbara Petzen, Education Director, Middle East Policy Council
“Allah Made Me Funny was a huge hit in my classroom. Students found it compelling to watch Muslim comedians make fun of the usual stereotypes. The diversity of the comedians and audience surprised them. The film is worthwhile. It led to meaningful classroom discussions.”
Christopher Bryant, Social Studies Teacher Lake Forest, Illinois
“Talking Through Walls is a good film for getting students talking about several different subjects. We showed it to a group of students and community members and had lively conversations afterwards.”
Sylvia Maddox, Social Studies Teacher, San Antonio, TX
- Sign-up to conduct a screening of your DVD.
- Receive your DVD in 5-7 days
- Download discussion guide and other lesson plans
- Watch the film and conduct your dialogue.
- Evaluate the dialogue experience.
For additional resources visit princeamongslaves.org and upf.tv
