Introduction

Just as our own cultural context creates our perception of the world around us, so too are authors shaped by their historical and cultural contexts. To gain a better understanding of The Kite Runner, you will complete an online webquest to establish background knowledge about Afghan culture and historical context.

Task

Research: You will engage in online research about a particular topic relating to Afghan culture Your group will be assigned a topic from the list below:

You will complete the research and readings online, and gather information under the guiding questions provided.

Present: Your group will create a PowerPoint presentation that you will share with the class.

Quiz: Finally, your group will be responsible for submitting three quiz questions relating to your topic.

History

Summarize Afghan history, highlighting important events. Consider:

• What happens in 1921?
• What happens in 1933?
• Who does General Mohammed Daoud Khan make an alliance with? Why?
• 1973 was a pivotal point in Afghanistan’s history. Why?
• Why does Osama Bin Laden shift his focus from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1988?
• In 1992 Afghanistan endures yet another coup. Which group takes over this time? What are the problems with this group?
• Why do most Afghans believe the Taliban takeover in 1996-97 is a good thing at first?
• Why do more than a million Afghans flee to Pakistan between the years of 1995 – 1999?
• What was America’s answer to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001?
• What is the current state of Afganistan politically and socially? What role does the Taliban currently play?

LINKS

Basic Cultural overview

Afghanistan Data

Historical Overview

Historical Timeline

Afghanistan's Turbulent History

Afghanistan History

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban

Historical and Cultural Overview of Afghanistan

Religion and Faith

• What are the differences between Sunni vs. Shiite Islam? What is the source of the split between the two sects?
• How is Islam integral to Afghan culture?
• What are the basic tenets of Islam?
• What other religions have similar beliefs?
• Why do you think these religions, if they are so similar, seem to have difficulty getting along?
• What are Mullah Nasruddin jokes and what significance do they play in Afghan culture?

LINKS

History of Islam

Cultural overview

Difference between Sunni and Shiite

Overview of Islam

Islam Beliefs

Five Pillars of Islam

Sunni Shiite Differences

Comparison of Shia, Sunni and Sufi Factions of Islam

Sunni Shiite Tensions

• Describe the Afghan economy. What are its current challenges? Why?
• What does traditional Afghan clothing suggest about cultural values?
• How do Afghan recreational activities illustrate cultural priorities?
• What are the marriage traditions in the Afghan/Muslim culture? What does the wedding ceremony look and sound like?
• What role does music and dance play in the Afghan culture?
• What foods are part of traditional an modern Afghan culture?
• Where are the largest Afghan-American communities in America located?

LINKS

Basic Cultural Overview

Dress Code Laws Since the Taliban

Overview of Pashtun Culture including clothing description

Afghan Food

Turban Tying and Kite Running

Afghan National Sport

Brief Economic Overview

Fighting the Opium Wars

Afghans in U.S. Seek Role in Forming Homeland Government

Afghan Marriage and Family Life

Music in Afghanistan

Women in Society

• How have things changed/stayed the same since the Taliban lost power?
• Explore how women’s role in society has developed in the last forty years.
• What challenges to modern Afghan women encounter? How are these similar/different to their mothers?
• What is the current status of the Taliban and women in Afghanistan?
• What is Sharia Law? How are women treated under Sharia Law?
• How has the opium trade affected women in Afghanistan?
• Who is Malala?

LINKS

Afghanistan's Women after 'Liberation' (the homesite, www.rawa.org has information)

National Geographic overview with photo gallery and linked video

Women Under Taliban Threat - TIME Photo Essay

Associated Article with Preceding Photo Essay 

Afghan Women Fear for the Future

Afghan Women Soar to New Heights

Girls Education in Afghanistan

Rights for Afghan Women Improving, but Fragile (NPR)

Successes and Challenges in Afghan Girls' Education

Girl's Courage, Taliban's Cowardice

Current State of Women in Afghanistan

Tribal Relationships and Geography

• What is the population of Afghanistan
• What is the tribal makeup of the country? Which tribes are the majority and minority?
• What role do tribes play in Afghan culture? Family?
• On what cultural values does the Pashtunwali code place most importance?
• Describe the geography of Afghanistan.
• What is the signficance of the Kyber Pass?
• What languages are spoken in Afghanistan?

LINKS

Basic Cultural Overview

Pashtun Tribal Structure

Pashtunwali Code

Honour Among Them: Pashtunwali v. Radical Islam

National Geographic article/photo gallery on "Afghanistan's Outsiders," the Hazara

Relationship between Pashtun and Hazara in The Kite Runner

Tribal Relationships in Afghanistan

Asessment

 You will be assessed on:

• Content: Includes the accuracy of your information and your thoroughness in addressing all of the guiding questions.
• Presentation: Includes all group members participating and having speaking time during the presentation. Presentation is prepared with text and visuals, any quoted information is accurately cited.
• Class Participation: You are on task and focused during the class time, reading the articles and collaborating with your group members.
• Quiz Questions: Someone from your group emails me (sperri@salpointe.org) three quiz questions.