Middle+East

The Middle East In this unit we will study how the religous and ethnic diversity of the region has impacted its historical, political, and economic development. Students will explore the theme of religious diversity in this unit and participate in a simulated peace conference. We will work on analyzing bias in resources.

1. Geography & Peoples
This lesson explores the strategic location, geographic features, and diversity of peoples in the Middle East. Class Activity: (Map is in Yaffa folders)

2. Religions of the Middle East
Students explore the origins and beliefs of the 3 major religions in the Middle East; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This lesson also looks at fundamentalism, extremism, and Islamaphobia as it pertain to US policy. Handouts:

3. Middle East Essential Background
Students examine the root of much of the tension in the Middle East today. Article available online, activity available in class folders.

[[file:Lesson 6 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Academic.pptx]][[file:Middle East Unit Lesson 6 Guided Notes.docx]]
Class Activity Answer Key HW: Wiki Post "Right vs. Right"

5. Current Issues in Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Students will view various media resources to analyze key issues and conflicting points of view at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Class Handouts:

6. Revolution 2.0 - Middle East in Transition
Students analyze whether the events that spread across the Middle East in 2011 should be considered protests or a revolution. Additionally, students will explore ongoing events in key Middle Eastern nations today.

Day 2 HW: Read "The Middle East Mess" and answer Wiki Post "What Would You Do?" in discussion tab above.

7. US Policy in the Middle East
Students will work in small groups to analyze political cartoons related to US involvement in Middle Eastern national affairs. Copyright prevents the online posting of this lesson. See classroom folders for handouts. HW: Draft your own Middle East policy

Unit Review & Reflection
Students will review essential content and reflect on skill, content, and project performance.