Course Description: 

– Exploring how you can deepen your students’ understanding of Islam and Muslim societies.

– Establish a critical background on elementary concepts, practices, traditions of Islam.

– Acquire tools for navigating the complex questions concerning arts, gender, immigration, the Islamic State.

– Explore strategies to expand your students’ appreciation of the diversity of Muslim societies and cultures, and develop ways to integrate the study of Islam into your curriculum.

The Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and Center to Support Excellence in Teaching at Stanford invite middle- and high-school instructors (teaching grades 6-12) and community college educators to participate in the Stanford Institute on Islam, a Saturday series that explores how the study of this global religion can be incorporated into the teaching of History, Social Studies, Current Affairs, the Arts, and related subjects.

Session Topics:

• Key Concepts in the Study of Islam

An introduction to the elementary beliefs, concepts, practices for a complex understanding of Islam in its historical and cultural diversity.

• Islamic State & Politics

A critical engagement with Islamic State and its political implications.

• Refugees, Immigration, Islam

A critical look at the issue of refugees, immigration, and cultural contact zones, past and present.

• Islam, Arts, Gender

Investigate how notions of arts and gender can be complicated through a study of Muslim societies and cultures.

• Final Presentations & Wrap-up

An opportunity to share your final assignment with fellow course participants and special guests.

Course Facilitators:

Nicole Lusiani Elliott serves as a Professional Development Associate and Instructional Coach for CSET, primarily in areas of history education and instructional equity. In addition to serving as the lead on multiple site-based projects, Nicole also works on the Hollyhock Fellowship, AP Success Project, and in partnership with Stanford Global Studies. Prior to working for CSET, Nicole worked as an instructional coach and professional development associate for the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning and spent 19 years teaching at an East Bay public high school. She holds a BA in Political Science from Saint Mary’s College of California and an MA in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge. nlusiani@stanford.edu

This series is sponsored by the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, an interdisciplinary program in the Stanford Global Studies Division.

Source: Center to Support Excellence in Teaching at Stanford University