Critical Literacy: Using Nonfiction to Learn About Islam

Abstract

Schools have a legitimate and vital role in providing Americans with a better and more accurate understanding of the Muslim world. Given the cultural and ideological issues at play in any understanding of Islam, the theories and practices of critical literacy can provide useful guidance to teachers. The purposes of this article are to counteract some common stereotypes of Muslims and Islam and suggest how nonfiction materials might anchor a critical literacy study of Islam and Muslims in middle school or high school, with special attention to the potential for engaging students in a critical appreciation for the cultural and ideological diversity within the worldwide and U.S. Muslim communities. The article discusses representative materials that might be used to teach about Islam and Muslims in middle school or high school, and examples are provided for how critical literacy might be used with these resources.