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Course: World History Project AP® > Unit 2
Lesson 4: 2.3—Consequences of ConnectivityREAD: Rumi – Graphic Biography
Jala Al-Din Rumi, commonly known simply as Rumi, is one of the most influential poets in history. A Muslim jurist, scholar, and sufi mystc, Rumi’s life and poetry transcends borders and languages.
The Graphic Biography below uses “Three Close Reads”. If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.
First read: skimming for gist
This will be your quickest read. It should help you get the general idea of what the graphic biography will be about. Pay attention to the title, headings, images, and layout. Ask yourself: what is this graphic biography going to be about?
Second read: understanding content
For this reading, you should be looking for unfamiliar vocabulary words, the major claim and key supporting details, and analysis and evidence. You should also spend some time looking at the images and the way in which the page is designed.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- Where did Rumi live as a young man, and what was his home city like?
- How did meeting Shams Al-Dīn transform Rumi?
- What did Rumi teach and write about?
- What is the meaning of Rumi’s poem about a reed, shown around his body in the biography?
- How does the artist’s design reflect the theme of crossing or transcending borders?
Third read: evaluating and corroborating
In this read, you should use the graphic biography as evidence to support, extend, or challenge claims made in the course.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
- To what extent does this article explain how belief systems influenced society in the period from c. 1200 to 1450 CE?
- How does this biography of Rumi support, extend, or challenge what you have learned about this period in world history?
- What did you find surprising or significant about Rumi’s life and biography?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to read! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished reading.
Rumi (Graphic Biography)
Writer: Bennett Sherry
Artist: Liz Clarke
Jala Al-Din Rumi, commonly known simply as Rumi, is one of the most influential poets in history. A Muslim jurist, scholar, and sufi mystc, Rumi’s life and poetry transcends borders and languages.
Download the Graphic Biography PDF here or click on the image above.