Part 1: Islam in America

We'll conclude our introduction to Islam and its history with a unit which focuses on Islam in the United States. Islam is the fastest growing organized religion in the U.S. There may be six to eight million American Muslims! ( I say "may be" because the numbers given by surveys vary enormously!) We'll explore the issues shared by minority religious communities in America- and problems which are unique to American Muslims such the impact of the very profitable Islamophobia industry. Our resources include a history of American Islam, web sites, and documentaries on the American Muslim experience.

Part 2: Essay Questions (Select TWO questions. Each essay should be 3-4 pages)

1. Write a brief history of Islam in the United States.

Issues to address in your discussion: How has U.S. immigration policy influenced the growth of Islam? What has been the role of Islam in the African American community? What are some of the issues faced by American Muslims? What issues are unique to this particular community? Which are shared by all minority traditions?

2. How did 9/11 impact the American Muslim community?

3. What is Islamophobia? What are the challenges raised by targeted discrimination in a democratic society?