Tools for Teaching about the Middle East and Islam
TeachMideast invites you to attend one of our “Tools for Teaching the Middle East and Islam” two-day workshops to introduce K-12 educators to innovative teaching strategies and classroom-ready resources about the Middle East and Islam. TeachMideast will be holding these workshops across Iowa throughout June and July. The workshops, funded in part by Humanities Iowa, are designed to introduce educators to innovative teaching strategies and classroom-ready resources.
Participants will gain a new depth of knowledge about the region, while focusing on: critical thinking, collaboration, cultural competence, information skills, and more. We will analyze stereotypes and realities, foster media literacy, introduce the diversity of Middle Eastern and Muslim cultures and religious experiences, and weigh multiple points of view.
We will cover critical topics such as:
- What is Islam and Who is a Muslim?
- What are the differences among Sunnis, Shi’is, and Sufis?
- What are the best “teachable moments” in Islamic history?
- What do people in the Middle East really think about extremism?
- How do Muslims define gender roles and aspirations?
- Teaching about the current wave of protests in the Middle East?
- Why is Elkader named after a Muslim military hero and humanitarian?
For Teachers…..Do you teach about the Middle East and Islam, and want better resources to explore these complex subjects with your students? Do you sometimes feel there’s more to the story you should know, but aren’t sure where to find dependable information? Would you like to feel more confident answering your students’ questions about the region and its people?
For Non-Teachers…..Barbara Petzen is presenting a series of workshops across the state of Iowa entitled “Tools for Teaching about the Middle East and Islam”. These workshops were designed for teachers. However, the information presented about the stereotypes and complex realities of the region; current events and their deeper context in demography, economics, new media and youth culture; the interplay between religion and politics; the roles and aspirations of women in the Middle East and Muslim societies and more, will be valuable to citizens from many fields including media, clergy, librarians, parents, students (high school & college), etc. and anyone desiring to learn more about global civic and cultural awareness.
Barbara Petzen, Education Director for Middle East Policy Council (MEPC) Teach Mideast Program in Washington DC, has presented the workshops in over 40 states. The MEPC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has been working with the federal government since 1981.
Dates and Locations- June 22-23rd Iowa Western Community College – Council Bluffs
- June 29-30th Elkader, IA
- July 13-14th Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City
- July 20-21st Fort Dodge/Prairie Lakes AEA
- July 27-28th Grantwoods AEA facility in Coralville
- TBD Mississippi Bend AEA facility in Bettendorf