Religious Indications
Upon viewing most African films, students will become exposed to various religious practices. They will see Islamic traditions, Catholicism, and old animist practices. Since the practice of religion is sometimes crucial in comprehending meaning and symbolism it must be studied. According to historians, Islam entered West Africa around the 11th century and became the predominant religion of Ghana around the 13th century.vii Muslims, those who believe and follow the Islamic faith, read the Qur'an and accept the Five Pillars of Islam.
The five pillars are as follows: 1) Shahada, a profession of faith. All Muslims must proclaim, "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet." 2) Salat, prayer. All Muslims pray five times daily while facing the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 3) Zakat, alms. Faith also means outreach. To give thanks and follow the example of Mohammed, Muslims with the economic means must give alms to those who are less fortunate. 4) Siyam, fasting. Muslims who are physically able are to fast from dawn to dusk during the ninth month (Ramadan) of the Islamic calendar. 5) Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. At least once in their lives, all Muslims who are able must make a pilgrimage to the Great Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, toward which they have knelt while praying five times daily during their lives.viii
Students will not only learn of Islam in Africa, but will also learn the religious practices of African-Americans. Some of the early American films depicting Blacks showed the communities religious tradition as being strictly Christian. Christianity is the practice of believing in one God and the Holy Trinity. Study within this unit will also include a few American films of the 1960's and beyond in which students will find more Islamic representation in films during this period. Furthermore, students will learn and have exposure to what some may consider the original religion of the continent of Africa called animism. This traditional practice of religion in most sub-Saharan countries almost always acknowledges the existence of a high God who created everything; they perceive this God as distant and believe in the practice of spiritual rituals, involving nature spirits, warring spirits, sexual spirits, or spirits of departed ancestors. The spirits are honored through libation and animal sacrifice, and in some cases, through human sacrifice, which is quite rare, or through living sacrifices known as trokosi. The spirits are consulted through a process called divination.
In depth research study, the I-Search, ix will be utilized for students in order for them to reach the goals as determined by state standards in history. Such research will consist of, but not be limited to, interviews, museum trips, classroom visits of Muslims and classroom discussions. So that we don't ignore what is unfamiliar and perceived as dangerous students will be encouraged to further their study of Islam more than the other religious practices mentioned. This curricular decision is due to recent trends in society, i.e. Muslims are thought to be terrorists.
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