Modern Day Terrorism

Three Perspectives

• “This is not a battle between the United States of America and terrorism, but between the free and democratic world and terrorism.” Tony Blair

• “If we like them, they’re freedom fighters, if we don’t like them, they’re terrorists, in the unlikely case we can’t make up our minds, they’re temporarily only guerillas.” Carl Sagan

• “If inciting people to do that (9/11) is terrorism, and if killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists.” Osama bin Laden October, 2001

Are you teaching about Terrorism? How do you approach the subject?

Why Teach Terrorism…

• Modern day terrorism is part of our globalized reality- expresses tensions between world views (political, economic, religious)

• Modern day acts of terror have become events that shape Americans’ lives.

• Current/ future government policies are shaped by terrorism. (Patriot Act, Defense bills, International Relationships).

• Terrorism related events dominate the news. (NSA spying, document leaks).

• Exposes extreme political views by radicals at home.

Introducing Terrorism with a Concept Lesson

What is a concept lesson? • A concept lesson is a strategy that allows students to

explore a difficult and abstract topic through exploration and critical thinking.

• A deductive approach to making meaning of a complex concept but commonly used word (culture, technology, isolationism, citizenship etc)

• An interactive lesson where students work collaboratively to make meaning and refine their understanding.

Terrorism Concept Lesson

• Read definitions using the word terrorism.• List at least twelve words that come to mind when

thinking of the word terrorism.• With a partner, share your list to fill in the remaining

empty boxes• With your partner, create 4-5 categories using all of your

words from the boxes above.• With your partner, create a definition of terrorism using

the categories you created.

Teaching Terrorism within different courses…

9th Grade Geography

• Africa Unit: 1. There is a growing

presence of terrorists in North Africa.

2. To show students that terrorism in Africa is different in some aspects than in the U.S. Terrorism in Africa is also a human rights issue in some countries.

o Cold Case: Al- Shabaab/ Al Qaeda

10th Grade World History

• Terrorism is a Global Event: it encompasses many centuries and locations.

• Dispelling Myths:• Many students believe that terrorism in a modern problem,

when in fact it has existed for centuries.• Many students also believe that terrorism is unique to

America and our enemies, when in fact it exists all around the world and in many instances excludes America.

• …Bin Laden’s Fatwa coming soon!

11th Grade US History

Focus on 9/11 and The Government’s Response Since: • Students need a good understanding of the Patriot Act and other laws

that have been enacted since 9/11 and how those shape the policy, perceptions, and public opinion.

• DBQ: American Rights & The Patriot Act

12th Grade US Government (We the People)

• In We the People, my focus on terrorism is how laws, past and present, have challenged the Constitution since 9/11.

• A primary goal of my lessons is to allow students to decide if and how the Constitution and the people are impacted by laws or actions of the government. • Discussion Lesson: Civil Liberties & Fighting Terrorism

Bin Laden’s Fatwa: A Close Read

• Bin Laden’s Fatwa is a great document to do as a close read. It helps student dive deeply into one of the founding documents that explains why Muslims are and should be angered by U.S. policies and what to do about it.

• This document lays out the justification why many groups such as Al’ Qaeda commit terrorist acts toward the U.S.

• It is especially interesting because it represents and defends the opposing view point.

Bin Laden’s Fatwa: A Close Read

• The Close Reading Method:• A primary strategy within CCSS• Goal is to make complex and rich text accessible to all

students through intentional reading, vocabulary, textual analysis, discussion, and writing strategies.

• Detailed explanation of strategy available on our Edmodo site.

• Lets take a look at the Fatwa….• Read silently to line 28.

Close Read Questions

• Who is Allah and what evidence from the text suggests who he is?• What does bin Laden mean in line 13 when he refers to “The

Crusader armies spreading in it like locusts, eating its riches and wiping out its plantations?”

• Who is bin Laden’s audience for the Fatwa? How do you know?• On lines 18-19, bin Laden introduces the significance of current

events and reminds readers of three facts (claims) everyone knows. What are those three facts?

• What is bin Laden’s first claim and what evidence does he use to support it?

Writing Prompt

Rank Type of Claim Summary Textual Evidence Textual Evidence  Historical Reference      

  Logic      

  Religion      

  Word Choice      

Writing Prompt:In order to motivate his audience to respond to his directive, Bin Laden uses history, logic, religion, and word choice to justify his fatwa. Locate each by completing the graphic organizer. Once you have all the information, determine which technique is most effective by ranking your choices 1 – 4.

Reflection

• How does using a complex text like this enhance student knowledge about modern day terrorism?

• What did you learn from reading bin Laden’s Fatwa?• What do you think your students will gain from reading

it? • Where and how can you incorporate modern day

terrorism into your existing curriculum? • Questions???