The Uyghurs and Islam in China

Preface

In the West, the Uyghur people are a scarcely known ethnic group. Located in the Xinjiang region of far west China, this primarily Islamic minority is increasingly misunderstood. As geopolitics continue to intertwine and fearfully react to the exploits of extremist, terrorists groups such as ISIS, it is crucial that misunderstandings of little-known peoples be clarified. This unit attempts to address both the cultural richness and current challenges of the Uyghur people.

Format and Suggested Sequencing

The unit is primarily designed for English Language Arts, but there is a great deal of crossover with Social Studies as well. Many of the lessons are perfectly suitable for Social Studies classes and may be paired with English Language Arts as an interdisciplinary unit. For example, Lessons One, Two, and Three can easily fit within a Social Studies curriculum and will support subsequent lessons that are more specifically structured to address Language Arts skills. Lessons Four, Five, Six, and Seven are shared. “The Other Tibet” worksheet addresses Language Arts and Social Studies competencies. If English and Social Studies teachers are collaborating on “The Other Tibet” lessons, the accompanying questions are conveniently coded. Social Studies questions are delineated by a bullet point. Teachers can then adjust allocated class time accordingly as Lessons Four, Five, Six, and Seven can be jointly taught in English and Social Studies classes.