World Civilizations

Spring 2009

“Islamic Civilization” Reading Guide and Project


Directions: Read pages 197-200 (stop at “Philosophy and Science”) in your textbook. Please use the following guiding questions to guide your reading:


  1. Why was this era (up to the 14th century) one of the most prosperous periods in the history of the Middle East? (Think trade, cities, buildings and food)


  1. Why was Arab society so egalitarian? (please look up this word if you don’t know it!)

    1. What exceptions existed to this egalitarianism? Explain


-AND-


You will also begin to prepare for a group powerpoint presentation on Islamic Culture. Read the following section of your text in one of the following categories:

If your topic is:

Read the following in your text:

  • Islamic Science & Medicine

  • Philosophy & Science p. 200-202

  • Islamic Math/Astronomy

  • Philosophy & Science p. 200-202

  • Islamic Literature

  • Islamic Literature p. 202-203

  • Islamic Architecture

  • Islamic Art & Architecture p. 203-07

  • Islamic Art

  • Islamic Art & Architecture p. 203-07

The central questions you will look to answer in this reading is:

What contributions did Islamic culture bring to the wider world? What is significant about this aspect of Islamic culture/civilization?


If you have time, begin to do a little research about Islamic culture and advancements made in Islamic society. Read and print out a couple of pages to help your group prepare and create a powerpoint presentation on your topic. We’ll also have a little class time to dig further.


Here are some websites I’ve already found:

http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/index.html (Islamic culture – all groups…)

http://www.islamicart.com/main/architecture/ (Islamic Architecture)

http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/department.asp?dep=14 (Islamic Art)

http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/MSA/find_more/islart.html (Islamic Art)

http://www.islamicity.com/Science/Scientists/ (Islamic science, math, philosophy)


Don’t forget to also use our online databases:

Gale Group: http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/san92165 password: wildcats

Encyclopedia Britannica: http://www.search.eb.com User Name !@#Marin Password Ktwelve


In your group, you will create a powerpoint presentation that will highlight what you’ve learned in your readings (textbook and internet research) and try to distill the most important information to share with your classmates. Your presentation should include the following:

  1. Title and Thesis (this will answer the above questions)

  2. Evidence – including vocabulary terms and important people; you determine what is most relevant and appropriate for your topic…

  3. Visual elements – again, choose what is relevant and appropriate for your topic

  4. Total of 4 slides: one title, and three content.

Your group will be assessed on the following: See rubric on the back of this sheet of paper.