Home A Note to Teachers
		Pre-Viewing Lesson Plans Examining Primary Documents Reviewing Events
		Post-Viewing Lesson Plans Analyzing Information Media Messages Considering Sources
		Internet Resources
		Student Assignment Sheets
		Glossary and Identifications

The time required to complete this lesson is:
50 - 60 minutes to view the documentary.
50 - 60 minute for discussion questions and instructions on the papers. Students can complete their papers at home.

In this lesson students will:

• Examine the accuracy of the information that the public receives on terrorist activities.
• Explore the significance of dress for men and women in Muslim countries.

Paper and pencils

Students will discuss the various themes that appear in the documentary and dispatches using the following questions:

1. The documentary explores conflicting reports over the number and presence of Al Qaeda in various countries.

• Why is it difficult to get exact figures?
• Who benefits when numbers are exaggerated higher or lower?
• What would an official gain or lose by confirming or denying Al Qaeda's presence in his country?

2. What influences how the American press presents its information on the war on terrorism?

• Are there reasons to question the accuracy of news reports?
• How are decisions made about what information to present?

3. What did you learn from the documentary about Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden?

• Why do you think young jihadis want to join Al Qaeda?
• What might account for any differences in the way bin Laden and Al Qaeda are viewed by people in the West and in the documentary?

4. The documentary shows the style of clothing worn by men and women in Muslim countries.

• What did you notice about the style of clothing in Muslim countries?
• What does clothing say about the values of a particular group?
• What does your clothing say about you?
• What examples can we find in the United States that illustrate the significance of dress?

1. Participation in the class discussion.
2. Student written responses to the following statement:

Students should use information from the class discussion and the documentary to assess the accuracy of the statement. They should write an essay that makes no less than five major points that are supported with specific examples. They should also include an introduction and conclusion.

home » previous reports » watch online » about us » teacher center » newsletter » email FRONTLINE
privacy policy » wgbh » pbsi

web site copyright WGBH educational foundation