In Middle Eastern studies we transition from Islamic studies to an investigation of Judaism.
Mon.
National Geographic's program, Inside Mecca.
Review for test Tuesday.
Essay / thank you notes for Mrs. Kathy Fontaine (and Jordan Mitchell).
Tues.
Open notes test on Islam. Also, the Islamic Empire and notes on belly dance.
Wed.
Intro to Judaism.
Dome of the Rock Mosque, Jerusalem.
Thurs.
Map quiz: the Islamic Empire.
From the Arabian peninsula and neighbors, including Persia and Asia Minor (Turkey) to the Mediterranean coast, including Egypt, Morocco and Spain.
Fri.
The Wailing Wall (Western wall of the temple), Jerusalem.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Red River Revel, Sun at 1:30 pm, Port Belly Project, Shreveport / photo Sonya Bratlie
See the Revel's extensive schedule of music and art at redriverrevel.com.
Hope you will attend.
Hope you will attend.
Kathy Fontaine, Jordan Mitchell teach belly dance
Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance
developed in the Middle East. In Europe, it is sometimes called oriental dance. Similarly, In Turkish it is referred to as oryantal dansı ("Dance of the East"). Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance".
In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi. The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899, translating French danse du ventre, says Wikipedia.org.
It is one of the oldest social dances in world history, native to North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Much of the support for this theory stems from the similarities between poses in Egyptian artwork and the modern dance.
In Palestine and Iraq, this social dance is called Raks Baladi, and is performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions, such as weddings, and other social gatherings for fun and celebration. It is the theatricalized version, performed by both male and female professional dancers and called Raks Sharki in Arabic, that is most popular in America today.
In its native lands boys and girls learn the dance from an early age. As with many social dances, it is learned informally through observation and imitation of their elders during family and community celebrations, as well as during informal gatherings with friends. Today, these ancient dances are taught in classes offered throughout the world, and skilled dancers are able to share their knowledge that has been passed down from the indigenous peoples who created them.
Many dancers subscribe to one or another of a number of theories regarding the origins of the form. Some of these theories are that the dance form:
* descended from Greece, spreading with Alexander the Great
* descended from indigenous dances of ancient Upper Egypt
* descended from a religious dance Temple Priestesses once practiced
* had been a part of traditional birthing practices in the region(s) of origin
* had spread from the migrations of the Romani people (also called 'Gypsies') and related groups, with origins in India.
Whatever the origin point, dance has a long history in African and the Middle East. Despite the restrictions in Islam regarding portraying humans in paintings, there are several depictions of dancers throughout the Pre-Islamic and Islamic world. Books such as The Art and Architecture of Islam 650-1250 show images of dancers on palace walls, as do Persian miniature paintings from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Outside of the Middle East, raqs sharqi dancing was popularized during the Romantic movement in the 18th and 19th centuries as Orientalist artists depicted their interpretations of harem life in the Ottoman Empire.
Egyptian belly dance was among the first styles to be witnessed by Westerners. During Napoleon's invasion of Egypt (the campaign which yielded the Rosetta stone, leading to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics), Napoleon's troops encountered the Ghawazee tribe. The Ghawazee made their living as professional entertainers and musicians. At first the French were repelled by their heavy jewelry and hair, and found their dancing "barbaric", but were soon lured by the hypnotic nature of their movements.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Test on Tues, Oct 2, on notes from Mondotrudeau
Open notes test: a time to have a print-out of notes relating to Islam or SW Asia. Perhaps a more challenging test of information management and reading comprehension than others.
Hojas de Toledo and Damascus
Two cities well reknowned for fine swords: Toledo, Spain, and Damascus, Syria. Is there a connection between these skilled men and their manufacture of mighty blades?
A Muslim minority sect: the Suifi Dervish
Reading more about the dervishes - whirling dervishes - is a worthy pursuit.
The melody is played upon a primitive violin-like stringed instrument played with a bow called a rebab.
It is little more than a stick for a neck, a single strand of wire as a string, a can for a sound box and a stick and rope as a bow. Cheap but potent.
The melody is played upon a primitive violin-like stringed instrument played with a bow called a rebab.
It is little more than a stick for a neck, a single strand of wire as a string, a can for a sound box and a stick and rope as a bow. Cheap but potent.
Arabic instruments: the tambourine, rebec, doumbek, and oud
The Egyptians play the tambourine faster and in more varied ways than I've ever heard in the US. They also make tambourines in many more sizes - large and small - than we know.
The doumbek is a goblet-shaped drum typical of the Mid East.
The doumbek is a goblet-shaped drum typical of the Mid East.
Desert Oasis: an aquifer lies beneath
An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using a water well. The study of water flow in aquifers and the characterization of aquifers is called hydrogeology, says wikipedia.
Aquifers can occur at various depths.
Those closer to the surface are more likely to be exploited for water supply and irrigation; they are also more likely to be topped up by the local rainfall.
Many desert areas have limestone hills or mountains within them or close to them which can be exploited as groundwater resources. Parts of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges of Syria, Israel and Lebanon, the Djebel Akhdar in Oman, parts of the Sierra Nevada and neighbouring ranges in the United State's South West, have shallow aquifers which are exploited for their water.
Over exploitation can lead to the exceeding of the practical sustained yield, i.e. more water is taken out than can be replenished. Along the coastlines of certain countries, such as Libya and Israel, population growth has led to over-population which has caused the lowering of water table and the subsequent contamination of the groundwater with saltwater from the sea (saline intrusions).
Aquifers can occur at various depths.
Those closer to the surface are more likely to be exploited for water supply and irrigation; they are also more likely to be topped up by the local rainfall.
Many desert areas have limestone hills or mountains within them or close to them which can be exploited as groundwater resources. Parts of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges of Syria, Israel and Lebanon, the Djebel Akhdar in Oman, parts of the Sierra Nevada and neighbouring ranges in the United State's South West, have shallow aquifers which are exploited for their water.
Over exploitation can lead to the exceeding of the practical sustained yield, i.e. more water is taken out than can be replenished. Along the coastlines of certain countries, such as Libya and Israel, population growth has led to over-population which has caused the lowering of water table and the subsequent contamination of the groundwater with saltwater from the sea (saline intrusions).
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Galactic gallivant: end your Revel visit with a SciPort Star Party on Sat, Sept 29
Galactic Discovery: A Revel Star Party
Revelers: Get starry-eyed at Sci-Port the first night of the Revel.
Bring in a hole-punched Revel ticket and enjoy the festivities for just $3.
Saturday, September 29
8:30-10:30 p.m.
In September, the constellation Andromeda rises. Within it is our closest galactic neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy!
Activities include:
* Telescopes on the Roof
* Make-&-Take Milky Way Model
* Galaxy Face Painting
* Planispheres
* Eye on the Sky - Discovering the Hubble Space Telescope (SPACE DOME Live Presentation)
* Wonders of the Universe (SPACE DOME Movie)
Star Party fee:
$3 per person with hole-punched Revel ticket or with Sci-Port membership
$5 per person regular admission
Doors open at 8:15 p.m.
You may want to arrive early to find parking.
The event will proceed even if there is bad weather.
Revelers: Get starry-eyed at Sci-Port the first night of the Revel.
Bring in a hole-punched Revel ticket and enjoy the festivities for just $3.
Saturday, September 29
8:30-10:30 p.m.
In September, the constellation Andromeda rises. Within it is our closest galactic neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy!
Activities include:
* Telescopes on the Roof
* Make-&-Take Milky Way Model
* Galaxy Face Painting
* Planispheres
* Eye on the Sky - Discovering the Hubble Space Telescope (SPACE DOME Live Presentation)
* Wonders of the Universe (SPACE DOME Movie)
Star Party fee:
$3 per person with hole-punched Revel ticket or with Sci-Port membership
$5 per person regular admission
Doors open at 8:15 p.m.
You may want to arrive early to find parking.
The event will proceed even if there is bad weather.
Beirut and notes on Islam
Notes on Islam . . .
Prayer five times a day. Before dawn: “prayer is better than sleep...” also at noon, afternoon, evening and nighttime.
Mosque: center of worship as well as a community center (fellowship, food, lessons, etc).
m
Minarets: towers from which emanates the call to prayer.
Friday: day of special devotion & sermons.
In the mosque: courtyard & fountain
- ablutions: ritual washing of hands & feet
- no shoes
- lamps & rugs & pulpit
- screen to separate women’s area / modesty
Koran / Qu’ran
Islam: submission to the will of God.
Muslim: one who submits.
Qu’ran: suicide forbidden.
Infidel! one who does not believe in God.
Jihad: holy war of conquest (see Crusades). Created an Islamic Empire.
Byzantium/Constantinople/Istanbul: ancient city on the Black Sea which has been Roman, Christian and, today, Muslim.
bene “good” (Latin)
dicte “speaking”
benediction - a blessing.
Petra, Jordan: elaborate buildings carved into rock cliff.
petr oleum: “rock” “oil”
*******
Independent work . . .
Research and compare (both sims & difs)
a) falconry and camel racing.
b) the nations of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
c) the Arabian horse and the Mustang.
d) yogurt and the date - of the date palm.
e) Ibn Battuta and Ibn Saud.
f) Compose a skit (group project) that will bring to life the biographies and teaching of Abraham, Muhammad and Jesus of Nazareth. You may be lighthearted but not blasphemous.
1. City known as a French-influenced and liberal tourist center on the Mediterranean:
a) Cairo b) Beirut c) Jerusalem d) Damascus
2. Giza is a small Egyptian municipality with an enormous and ancient tourist attraction. Giza is near a) Cairo b) Alexandria c) Jerusalem d) Beirut.
3. Minarets are towers that are built alongside a mosque. From the minaret Muslims are called to a) Jihad b) prayer c) Islam d) muezzin.
4. Terrorists of 9/11/01 were mostly from Egypt and mostly well-educated family men. T / F
5. Location of the World Trade Center: a) Lower Manhattan b) Upper Brooklyn c) Lower Queens d) Upper Bronx.
6. The dr’bkke or doumbek is a Middle eastern instrument of this type: a) drum b) tambourine c) fiddle d) lute.
7. Saudi Arabia, principally a vast desert, has no major bodies of water and one range of Eastern mountains. T / F
8. Based on terrain, name the nation that will have the most rainfall: a) Yemen b) Oman c) UAE d) Kuwait.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Threats and decisions
Not to speak for everyone, but in general the faculty and security at cmhs believe the threat about 9-25 was overblown. We have probably been overly cautious. I personally believe that what seemed to be a threatening message was actually about the release of the Halo 3 software game.
I also believe that Magnet is a safe campus in general because we care a great deal and are on high alert. Today there will be considerable extra security on campus.
To go to school or not? Each parent must make that decision based on their own sense of their child's safety. I think intelligent vigilance is the key to our future in this threatening era.
I also believe that Magnet is a safe campus in general because we care a great deal and are on high alert. Today there will be considerable extra security on campus.
To go to school or not? Each parent must make that decision based on their own sense of their child's safety. I think intelligent vigilance is the key to our future in this threatening era.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Al-Jabr, "Restoration"
Al-Khwarizmi, the man who invented Arabic numerals (consolidated the Hindu and Greek) -- and algebra.
Arabic numerals are considered an important milestone in the development of mathematics.These numeral glyphs ultimately a pure arabic invention , both western and eastern styles.
The symbols for 0 to 9 in the Arabic numerals (system) evolved from the concept of angles. Where 0 has no anglesand 9 having 9 angles a by product of the inginouity/creativity that the arab mathematians have been known for.
The numeral system came to be known to both the Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, whose book On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals written about 825, and the Arab mathematician Al-Kindi, who wrote four volumes, "On the Use of the Indian Numerals" (Ketab fi Isti'mal al-'Adad al-Hindi) about 830, are principally responsible for the diffusion of the Indian system of numeration in the Middle-East and the West [1].
In the 10th century, Middle-Eastern mathematicians extended the decimal numeral system to include fractions, as recorded in a treatise by Syrian mathematician Abu'l-Hasan al-Uqlidisi in 952-953.
Arabic numerals are considered an important milestone in the development of mathematics.These numeral glyphs ultimately a pure arabic invention , both western and eastern styles.
The symbols for 0 to 9 in the Arabic numerals (system) evolved from the concept of angles. Where 0 has no anglesand 9 having 9 angles a by product of the inginouity/creativity that the arab mathematians have been known for.
The numeral system came to be known to both the Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, whose book On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals written about 825, and the Arab mathematician Al-Kindi, who wrote four volumes, "On the Use of the Indian Numerals" (Ketab fi Isti'mal al-'Adad al-Hindi) about 830, are principally responsible for the diffusion of the Indian system of numeration in the Middle-East and the West [1].
In the 10th century, Middle-Eastern mathematicians extended the decimal numeral system to include fractions, as recorded in a treatise by Syrian mathematician Abu'l-Hasan al-Uqlidisi in 952-953.
Calligraphy: Arabic script
After the definitive fixing of the Arabic script around 786, by Khalil ibn Ahmad al Farahidi, many styles were developed, both for the writing down of the Qur'an and other books, and for inscriptions on monuments as decoration.
Arabic calligraphy has not fallen out of use as calligraphy has in the Western world, and is still considered by Arabs as a major art form; calligraphers are held in great esteem. Being cursive by nature, unlike the Latin alphabet, Arabic script is used to write down a verse of the Qur'an, a Hadith, or simply a proverb, in a spectacular composition.
Arabic calligraphy has not fallen out of use as calligraphy has in the Western world, and is still considered by Arabs as a major art form; calligraphers are held in great esteem. Being cursive by nature, unlike the Latin alphabet, Arabic script is used to write down a verse of the Qur'an, a Hadith, or simply a proverb, in a spectacular composition.
Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud: King of the World's Oil Supply
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an international cartel[1][2] made up of Iraq, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Angola, Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. The Vienna-based organization has maintained its headquarters there since 1965, hosting regular meetings between the oil ministers of its member states.
The principle aim of the organization, according to its Statute, is the determination of the best means for safeguarding their interests, individually and collectively; devising ways and means of ensuring the stabilization of prices in international oil markets with a view to eliminating harmful and unnecessary fluctuations; giving due regard at all times to the interests of the producing nations and to the necessity of securing a steady income to the producing countries; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations, and a fair return on their capital to those investing in the petroleum industry."[3]
The principle aim of the organization, according to its Statute, is the determination of the best means for safeguarding their interests, individually and collectively; devising ways and means of ensuring the stabilization of prices in international oil markets with a view to eliminating harmful and unnecessary fluctuations; giving due regard at all times to the interests of the producing nations and to the necessity of securing a steady income to the producing countries; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations, and a fair return on their capital to those investing in the petroleum industry."[3]
In Mecca, pilgrim (simple white robe) prays in front of the black stone at the Kaaba in the city's Grand Mosque
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, who signed a key political deal in Mecca, prays in front of the black stone at the Kaaba in the city's Grand Mosque
Originally uploaded by johnhanscom
"The Primordial House", or "The Sacred House", is a large cuboidal building located inside the mosque known as al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The mosque was built around the original Kaaba.
The Kaaba is the holiest place in Islam.[1] The qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer, is the direction from their location on Earth towards the Kaaba. It is around the Kaaba that ritual circumambulation is performed by Muslims during the Hajj (pilgrimage) season as well as during the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage).[1]
A significant feature of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, also called al-Hajar-ul-Aswad, which is believed by some Muslims to date back to the time of Adam and Eve.[6] It is about 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter, is located on the Eastern corner of the Kaaba, and is surrounded by a silver frame. When Muslims come to Mecca to perform the Hajj, one of the tasks which they try to accomplish is to kiss the Black Stone, as Muhammad once kissed it.[7] Because of the large crowds this is not always possible, and so as pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, they are to point to the Black Stone on each circuit.[8]
Tradition has it that when the Black Stone on the corner of the shrine came to earth, it was white. It turned black under the burden of millions of sins.[9]
Kaaba - without the cover
The Kaaba's veil is renewed each year. I don't know what happens to the old shroud but I would like to know.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Week of Sept 24 - 28; Medieval Times: the extent of the Islamic empire
Objectives, week of Sept 24 - 28.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the map of SW Asia and the cultural force of Islam.
Mon.
Life of the prophet Muhammad. Beginnings of Islam.
Tues
Islamic Empire and Golden Age.
Wed.
Contemporary impact of Islam. Second hour guest speaker: Dr Marwan Kaskas, Lebanon-born nephrologist (kidney-related illnesses).
Th.
Open notes quiz on web site / class notes on Islam.
Fr.
The role of Belly Dance in Middle Eastern society. Guest speaker Kathy Fontaine (see an earlier post). All classes. Parents welcome.
***********************************************************
Medieval Times: the extent of the Islamic empire
From Spain to Pakistan, the 8th century Muslim soldiers mounted on camels and swift Arabian steeds conquered and administered an empire.
Symbols on the map are the sword-wielding warrior on camel or Arabian horse. The most significant region of their conquest was southern Europe: Espana. Muslim soldiers crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 AD.
Annotated timeline of the Monotheist religions of SW Asia
* Judaism, Christianity, Islam
* Include symbols (menorah, crescent moon & star, cross & orb) and color.
* Brief notes, such as the 5 Pillars of Islam.
* Brief map of the Med - Persian Gulf region.
Indy work:
* Research and compare the planning and execution of the Erie Canal with the advent of Islam and the creation of an Islamic empire.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the map of SW Asia and the cultural force of Islam.
Mon.
Life of the prophet Muhammad. Beginnings of Islam.
Tues
Islamic Empire and Golden Age.
Wed.
Contemporary impact of Islam. Second hour guest speaker: Dr Marwan Kaskas, Lebanon-born nephrologist (kidney-related illnesses).
Th.
Open notes quiz on web site / class notes on Islam.
Fr.
The role of Belly Dance in Middle Eastern society. Guest speaker Kathy Fontaine (see an earlier post). All classes. Parents welcome.
***********************************************************
Medieval Times: the extent of the Islamic empire
From Spain to Pakistan, the 8th century Muslim soldiers mounted on camels and swift Arabian steeds conquered and administered an empire.
Symbols on the map are the sword-wielding warrior on camel or Arabian horse. The most significant region of their conquest was southern Europe: Espana. Muslim soldiers crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 AD.
Annotated timeline of the Monotheist religions of SW Asia
* Judaism, Christianity, Islam
* Include symbols (menorah, crescent moon & star, cross & orb) and color.
* Brief notes, such as the 5 Pillars of Islam.
* Brief map of the Med - Persian Gulf region.
Indy work:
* Research and compare the planning and execution of the Erie Canal with the advent of Islam and the creation of an Islamic empire.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Sending independent work and other communications: trudeau@earthlink.net
Please help me organize papers by emailing, whenever possible, your bonus credit work to me at trudeau@earthlink.net.
Avoid using my gmail account so as to help my categorization of materials.
Merci.
Avoid using my gmail account so as to help my categorization of materials.
Merci.
Why a "Boat on a roof"? Essay guidelines in social studies
Boat on a Roof guidelines: students worked on 2 guidelines in essay writing for geography class this week. I call them Boat on a Roof guidelines because such a photo was one of the most dramatic images we viewed at Meadows Museum.
The reason for emphasis on these guidelines is because they will make a you a more forceful writer. The world is very competitive and use of these techniques may give you an edge.
A 2-part title is the mark of a good writer.
a) Snammy title. Brief.
b) Explanatory subtitle. What we call the hard info.
A vivid opening is a classic standard for effective writing.
a) Open with the strongest image, such as a Boat on a Roof.
b) A quote is also effective: "A boat on a roof was among the images viewed by students . . . " Also, a question is not a bad fallback in writing an opening.
Which do you like best?
- Dog bites man in CMHS incident
- Man bites dog in incident at CMHS
The reason for emphasis on these guidelines is because they will make a you a more forceful writer. The world is very competitive and use of these techniques may give you an edge.
A 2-part title is the mark of a good writer.
a) Snammy title. Brief.
b) Explanatory subtitle. What we call the hard info.
A vivid opening is a classic standard for effective writing.
a) Open with the strongest image, such as a Boat on a Roof.
b) A quote is also effective: "A boat on a roof was among the images viewed by students . . . " Also, a question is not a bad fallback in writing an opening.
Which do you like best?
- Dog bites man in CMHS incident
- Man bites dog in incident at CMHS
Friday, September 21, 2007
Hijab: veil which may be chosen by muslim women
Hijab or ħijāb (حجاب) is the Arabic term for "cover" (noun), based on the root حجب meaning "to veil, to cover (verb), to screen, to shelter"
In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to women's head and body covering, but in Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality.[1] The word used in the Qur'an for a headscarf or veil is khimār (خمار).
In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to women's head and body covering, but in Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality.[1] The word used in the Qur'an for a headscarf or veil is khimār (خمار).
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