We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Learning Objectives: This virtual visit to historical places in Morocco will provide students with an understanding of the country’s history, culture, and architecture. Students will be able to explore the contributions of various civilizations, identify different architectural styles, and appreciate the cultural significance of these sites.
Learning Outcome: Students will gain knowledge of aspects of Morocco’s history and architectural diversity, developing a cultural appreciation and understanding of the impact of architecture on culture. Through critical thinking and virtual exploration, students will develop lifelong learning and cross-cultural curiosity.
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Introduction: (5 minutes) Start this activity by reflecting on what you already know about Morocco, its culture, history, and geography. Then watch this video:
After watching the video, discuss what aspects of the footage intrigued you, what are you curious to learn more about?
Stop 1:Tangier American Legation Museum (30 minutes)
● Take a virtual tour to explore the Tangier American Legation Museum.
● Explore the rooms inside the museum.
● Reflect on your experience as you virtually walk into each room.
● Take screenshots of things that impress you, intrigued you, or have more questions about.
After completing the tour, answer these questions, and discuss them with other students taking the tour.
● Based on the virtual tour, was your initial impression of the Tangier American Legation?
● What impressions did the museum’s architecture or surroundings leave on you?
● Why the Tangier American Legation Museum is considered a U.S. National Historic Landmark?
● Have you ever visited a historical museum before? If so make a comparison between what you have seen in the virtual tour and what you have seen in real life.
Stop 2: Medrasa Ben Youssef: (30 minutes)
Take a virtual tour of the mosque, and explore its different features.
● Take a virtual tour to explore Medrass Ben Youssef.
● Explore the rooms inside the mosque.
● Reflect on your experience as you virtually walk into each room.
● Take screenshots of things that impress you, intrigued you, or have more questions about.
http://www.3dmekanlar.com/en/ben-youssef-medersa-1.html
After taking the tour, answer these questions, and discuss them with other students.
● What architectural features or design caught your attention?
● Why the Ben Youssef Madrasa is considered a significant historical landmark?
● What are your impressions of Islamic art and calligraphy and decor?
● Go online and find calligraphy in Arabic and describe it.
● Do you experience artistic expressions similar to your own culture? If so how the artistic expressions might enhance your understanding of your own culture and the Islamic culture and traditions?
● Stop 3: Hassan II Mosque (30 mins)
Take a virtual tour of the mosque, and explore its different features. Then watch the video clip.
http://www.3dmekanlar.com/en/hassan-ii-mosque-1.html
● What were your initial impressions of the mosque’s architecture, location, and atmosphere?
● What symbolic meaning could you draw from these unique features?
● What can you conclude from glancing at the detailed craftsmanship in the mosque’s interior design? How do the interior and exterior of the mosque differ?
● What do you think of the role of mosques in the Islamic world? What correlation could you draw from the relationship between mosques, culture, religion, and art?
● Find 3 pictures of mosques in other countries and compare them to Mosque Hassan II.
Performance-Based Project
Step 1:Start your project by highlighting important insights from what you have learned about Moroccan architecture and its diversity.
Step 2: Work on an artistic project individually or in a group that reflects on the beauty of Moroccan architecture and diversity. You can draw, paint, or create 3D pictures representing the beauty of Moroccan architecture.
Step 3: Design your dream Moroccan building using the inspiration from the Tangier American Legation Museum, Hassan II Mosque, or Ben Youssef Madrasa. You can create sketches or digital designs by following the link below:
https://www.smartdraw.com/floor-plan/home-design-software.htm