Understanding Religion, Power, and Democracy vis-à-vis Salafism

Investigate the World: Investigate the world beyond your immediate environment

1. Warm up: Do a class whip around. Stand in a circle and one-at-a-time, loudly state the first word that comes to mind. Go around on the following terms until there are no more ideas to be shared. Divide larger classes into two circles.
   1. Religion
   2. Power
   3. Democracy
2. Create a class list of questions on the relationship between religion and power. Hang in a visible classroom location.
3. Launch and explore this interactive world religions map by PBS. Take notes of new observations and understandings. Share with a partner.
4. Read the main section of the Democracies in the World page.
5. Click on and explore the Democracy Map. Use the forward button for directions on each page. Record observations and understandings. Share with a partner.
6. Read about religion and power here.

Recognize Perspectives: Recognize your own and others’ perspectives

1. Understand the First Amendment and United States citizens’ right to freedom of religion. Watch the video Freedom of Religion: Government and Politics Crash Course #24. Write down examples of Supreme Court decisions related to religion.
2. Have informal class debates on Supreme Court decisions mentioned in the video.
3. Examine and discuss maps #37 and #38 from 40 Maps that explain the world. Add new information and understandings to your notes.
4. Read about the project Salafism à la Southeast Asia. Answer the questions on the right, then discuss as a class.
5. Pick one of the two following articles to read in pairs. Answer the questions that correspond with each article on the right.
   1. Salafi Movement Grows on Indonesia’s Batam Island
   2. Saudi Arabia is Redefining Islam for the World’s Largest Muslim Nation

6. Partner with someone who read the other article. Share new learning. Together, come up with a summary of both articles.

Communicate ideas: Communicate your ideas effectively with diverse audiences

1. Choose one of the following questions to answer:
   1. What factors in our environment are weakening our democracy? What should be done about it?
   2. Do you think the separation of church and state weakens religion or strengthens it? Why?
   3. Are there groups in your community that are misunderstood by others? What should others know?
   4. Is there another issue related to religion and power that you would like to explore?
2. Who (what audience) would benefit from the information?
3. What kind of product would best communicate your information to your intended audience?

Take Action: Translate your ideas into appropriate actions to improve conditions

1. Create your product.
2. Share with two or more classmates. Use their feedback to improve your product.