This activity can be used with any of the FRONTLINE programs related to terrorism.
This activity will provide students with an opportunity to:
- Examine the roots, outcomes, and ongoing causes of Islamic fundamentalist violence.
- Consider the impact of ongoing poverty, racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, militarism, and the availability of weapons on religious expression, nationalism, and struggles for political power.
- Practice listening skills and note-taking.
Prior to showing FRONTLINE, distribute blank copies of this "tree" to each student. Direct students to use the sheet to take notes as they watch the program(s), filling in each root of terrorism they identify and each outcome of terrorism on a leaf. You might follow up by asking students what things "fertilize" the tree. Students should be encouraged to share their trees.
Depending on the program or clip you choose to view, students may encounter any or all of the following roots of terrorism:
- Cold War politics
- Money / poverty
- Political power
- Religion / fundamentalism
- War on drugs
FRONTLINE: Roots of Terrorism
Includes extended interviews, corollary readings, recommended links and resources, and other background materials.
Includes the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
Includes transcripts of relevant interviews.
22. Understands how the world is organized politically into nation-states, how nation-states interact with one another, and issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy
23. Understands the impact of significant political and nonpolitical developments on the United States and other nations
11. Understands the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface
13. Understands the forces of cooperation and conflict that shape the divisions of Earth's surface
1. Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns
Thinking and reasoning
2. Understands and applies basic principles of logic and reasoning
8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media