History: Common Core Writing #2 What is the hajj and why is it so important?

After you have viewed the websites listed below, write a multi-paragraph essay that describes the hajj, discusses what people do on the hajj, and makes conclusiong about why it is important.  Support your discussion with evidence from the websites.

Websites:

Beliefs and Traditions: The Hajj, National Geographic
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/saudiarabia_mecca

While you watch this short video about the hajj, take note of the different places people visit on the hajj.

Hajj Pictorial from Time Magazine
http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1865298,00.html 

While you review this photo-essay, see what conclusions you can draw about the hajj from the pictures.  How can you include this information in your essay?

Hajj 2013, Islam's Pilgrimage to Mecca: Facts, History and Dates of the Muslim Holiday.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/11/hajj-2013_n_4064513.html

Take Cornell notes on this article. Write a summar when you are done. Be sure to review the annotated map to get a sense of all the places visited on the hajj and the importance of each place.

British Museum: Hajj Stories
http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/past_exhibitions/2012/hajj/hajj_stories.aspx

Watch the short video introduction and then read at least six accounts of the hajj.  When you find something you think you'll be able to use in your essay, make a note of it.


After you have viewed the websites listed above, write a multi-paragraph essay that describes the hajj, discusses what people do on the hajj, and draws conclusions about why it is important. Support your discussion with evidence from the websites. 

You should follow this outline for your essay:

1. Introduction: hook, topic, thesis statement.
2. Describe the history of the hajj.
3. Discuss what is done on the hajj.
4. Draw conclusions about why the hajj is important.
5. Conclusion: restate the thesis, final statement (food for thought).

Make sure you cite your sources.  Use quote sandwiches.
 

Your essay is due on Friday, November 7.  It should be a proof-read first draft.  You do not have to type it up.