Question

student name_______ period______world history and geography 1, unit 4, lesson 74 50 minutesstart to class 5 minutes (0:00-0:05)student taskin 2011, a controversy erupted in new york city. an islamic group wanted to create a community center in lower manhattan, about half a mile from the former world trade center destroyed on 9/11. opponents of this center called it the ground zero mosque.look at the political cartoons in document set a. identify the arguments against building the community center and those who support it.stamp: what does it mean to be tolerant?launch 10 minutes (0:05-0:15)student taskanswer the questions below using the map and the video, and the video.1) what were some of the accomplishments of the arabs as they took control over cordoba and islamic spain?2) why might individuals have converted to islam under arabic rule?stamp: given your previous experience, how might the muslims have treated the christians and jews that were in spain as they conquered the territory?

Explanation:

For Start to Class Section:

1. Arguments against the community center: Opponents linked the site to the 9/11 attacks, viewing the center as disrespectful to victims, and argued its proximity to Ground Zero was insensitive to those affected by the tragedy.
2. Arguments supporting the community center: Supporters framed it as a symbol of religious freedom and cultural inclusion, noting it would serve as a community space for education, prayer, and interfaith dialogue, consistent with American values of tolerance.
3. Meaning of tolerance: Tolerance means respecting and accepting the beliefs, practices, and identities of others, even when they differ from one's own, while upholding equal rights and opportunities for all groups.

For Launch Section:

1. Accomplishments of Arabs in Cordoba/Islamic Spain: They advanced architecture (e.g., the Great Mosque of Cordoba), developed sophisticated irrigation systems for agriculture, preserved and expanded classical Greek/Roman scholarship in science, math, and philosophy, and established a thriving, multicultural urban center with robust trade and governance.
2. Reasons for conversion to Islam: Converts often gained access to social and economic advantages (e.g., reduced taxes, political opportunities), were drawn to the simplicity and egalitarian principles of Islamic teachings, or sought to integrate into the dominant cultural and political structure of Arab rule.
3. Treatment of Christians and Jews: Under Arab rule in Spain, Christians and Jews (dhimmi communities) were generally granted religious freedom, allowed to practice their faith and govern internal communal affairs, in exchange for paying a special tax and acknowledging Muslim political authority. This created a period of relative religious coexistence known as the "Convivencia."

Answer:

Start to Class:

1. Arguments against: Disrespectful to 9/11 victims, insensitive proximity to Ground Zero.
2. Arguments supporting: Symbol of religious freedom, inclusive community space for interfaith dialogue.
3. Tolerance: Respecting diverse beliefs/identities with equal rights.

Launch:

1. Accomplishments: Advanced architecture, irrigation, classical scholarship, multicultural urban growth.
2. Conversion reasons: Social/economic benefits, appeal of Islamic teachings, integration into dominant society.
3. Treatment of Christians/Jews: Granted religious autonomy, required to pay a special tax, experienced relative coexistence (Convivencia).