What a great day. The morning discussion gave me new information, some helpful constructs, a lexicon to talk to my students about Islam (political Islam vs. mystical Islam vs....) and deeper insights into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Then I was blown away by PlayOnPhilly - an inspirational music-academic marriage that seems to offer a solution for at least some youth. It was refreshing to leave a discussion about the overwhelming issues facing so many of our youths feeling inspired and hopeful (and, as Labaron said, when someone mentions "Curtis" your ears perk up). Our interdisciplinary afternoon took me way out of my comfort zone and gave me a LOT to think about... how to shake up and spice up my classroom not to mention dealing with the topics we juggle in our advisories. Oh, and don't forget the delicious lunch of which I had... was it thirds or fourths? No dinner tonight!
In addition to the content of the day, I also appreciated the fact that I feel I finally "met" each of you in the afternoon session. What a great exercise to break downn barriers of shyness and to get people to cross-groups. A peace process. I also loved the end of the afternoon when we stood in the circle and offered ideas about how we could implement the tactics. That final exercise served to offer summary and closure to the afternoon as well as gave me so many ideas that I would never have thought of on my own. You are all very creative in reaching the students where they are as I saw in the ideas you shared. So thank you to Raili, Labaron, Melissa and Anastasia and to each of you for broadening my thinking.
Char, I would like to ditto your entry as well as offer the following warning: I would like to warn teachers, especially if you are not Muslim, from repeating statements such as "Political Islam" and "Mystical Islam." While I found the talk, in fact the whole day, inspiring, please remember that our speaker as an expert and a Muslim himself can handle any backlash from those who would rail against such labeling. As outsiders, not only may our labeling be ill-received, but also it may be considered offensive to many, especially coming from Americans. Although I found the distinction helpful for my own understanding, I would rather recommend Dr. Cheikh Anta Babou's class to others than attempt to summarize the ideas myself for others. From my experience, it could be entering into dangerous territory.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Francie. However, I think there is no reason to tip-toe around the issue of Islam as if it is a dangerous topic. It's a religion just like any other, and just as I would be sure to clarify that I'm not an expert on Christianity or Judaism but would still offer whatever perspective or knowledge I do have. I grew up around many Muslims and perhaps that makes me more comfortable with the topic. Having said that, I have SO much to learn and would LOVE to take Dr. Babou's class.
ReplyDeleteHey Julija,
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take it with you...let's see when his next class is being offered:)
Yesterday's (Wednesday) experiences gave me many new insights into my own teaching about topics related to the history of the Middle East in particular. And, like Char, the afternoon session definitely broke down some barriers, and enabled me to meet more of you all in a different way -- great classroom possibilities. Now that my group is well on its way to developing a set of lessons on youth and conflict/revolution, I feel like I am closing own a bit, in a good way, and opening up more, also in a good way, simultaneously. What I mean is that I am able to think more comprehensively about he school year and how I might use some of this material, but also see how much more I now know about teaching revolution in historical and contemporary times. Thanks everyone -- both people who put the institute together and the great participants!
ReplyDeleteSarah