See annotated details of ancient and more recent weavings from many cultures using the interactive "exhibits" of the museum. See work from Egypt, Kashmir, Persia, and many more. Decode some of the iconography in Asian carpets. Some exhibits are text-heavy, while others offer many plates and details for your art students to study and use as references. World cultures classes will be able to envision ancient times by looking at the beautiful images on this site.
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World cultures teachers interested in the mideast could get many interesting discussions from this Pew Trusts report sampling the differences in Muslims' and Westerners' perceptions of one another. The report - detailed by nation - finds surprising contradictions, yet remains hopeful that bridges between these two cultures will continue to form.
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This is a chilling study of the ways in which terrorist groups make use of the Internet and the web to further their ambitions. While it has sensational elements, it is also an excellent example of propaganda and the use of technology for less-than-noble causes. NOTE: The site contains graphic material. Please PREVIEW THOROUGHLY before using this site.
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The CIA's Factbook offers a wealth of information on most of the world's nations. This is a direct link to the page for Iran.
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The Council for Islamic Education offers this detailed introduction to Ramadan, the month of daytime fasting that leads up to the second most sacred festival of the year, Eid al-Fitr. Teachers will need to adapt some of the content for use with elementary or middle school students.
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Use this searchable resource to foster understanding of Islamic history, law, and practice. The "Discover Islam" section provides a beginner's introduction to understanding Islam and Muslim traditions, as well as essays addressing similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. The site includes a Shi'ite encyclopedia, photos of sites sacred to Islam, examples of Islamic artwork, and a collection of downloadable fact sheets - available in numerous languages - covering a range of topics.
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This continually updated, site created and hosted by college seniors at Yale and New York Universities - provides great in-depth analysis of Middle East politics, foreign policy, the Arab-Israeli peace process, terrorism, security, religion and much more. Visitors can read translated versions of Middle Eastern newspapers and related commentary on the news of the day. A thought provoking resource for a discussion of recent events in the Arab world.
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Though not specifically for students, this special edition Times site offers a fascinating set of links to the many issues surrounding Iraq's efforts to create an effective representative government. While the reporting raises as many questions as it answers, this would be a great starting point for a world cultures or current events "what would you do" discussion.
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CBC's Iraq coverage is extensive, with significant background information on the people, regions, and other aspects of the country's political and social situation. Try this site as a good reference in addition to its election-specific reporting.
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There's always another side, and Al Jazeera's reporting from Iraq does nothing to hide its point of view. Remember, though, that Al Jazeera is the reporting of choice for much of the Arab world. These stories date back to the 2005 elections, but you can click inks to more current articles, as well.
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CSM's Iraq election coverage emphasizes the role that tribal and regional histories will play in the push for political control at both the provincial and national levels as Kurds, Sunnis, and Shi'ites vie for their own share of power.
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Students and teachers in search of broadly-based information on the Iraq conflict and its implications will do well here. The Times has an advantage in having regular, first-hand reporting that goes beyond headlines and photos to examine issues and atitudes.
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Your students can experience life in a typical refugee camp with this interactive, in-depth tour. Using a small compass or map, visitors can navigate through the camp and learn about the importance of various locations, including the reception center, food storage warehouse, health center, school, market, and meeting place. Related links to current events and organizations including Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross are provided.
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This thought-provoking site brings together analysis from a variety of sources to help students understand the many facets of the war on Iraq. Interviews with war correspondents, policymakers, and military leaders are presented along with a timeline of events, and a revealing video describing the bitter debate between the U.S. Army and the Pentagon. The teacher materials provided on the site assume that students have viewed a companion video; however, the "pre-viewing" lesson plan can be used independently to provide background knowledge or summarize a current events discussion.
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Help your students gain an accurate cultural understanding of the people of Iraq with this comprehensive resource that presents scholarly unbiased information. Topics include breaking news, an interactive map of Iraq, the modern history of Islam, Muslim sects, underlying causes of the crisis, the Muslim response to the war, and so much more. Because of the overwhelming amount of information on this site, make sure that you provide some direction for your students. Use this source as a starting point for independent research projects, web quests, or current events analysis
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The successes and failures of the Iraq war are examined in this lesson plan (aligned to national standards) that examines the status of reconstruction efforts in Iraq one year after the U.S.-led conflict there began. Students can review background information and analyze on-line news articles to consider whether or not coalition efforts have been successful. Based on their research, students are asked to project what they think should happen in the next year. This is a relevant and well-organized activity, perfect for a two-day experience in the computer lab.
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A team that includes former National Public Radio correspondents has created an audio-based web site that examines the various political, military, social, and economic issues with which both Americans and Iraqis must cope in post-war Iraq. It is an impressionistic view, but interesting nonetheless.
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It has its own point of view, but the companion site for this PBS Frontline presentation covers many of the issues connected with stabilizing post-war Iraq and making it a functioning nation again. Try using this one as a discussion starter to explore the many interrelated issues.
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BBC’s presentation on the key players in today’s Iraq will help teachers and students sort out both the individuals and the many movements and factions that are now vying for influence in that nation. This one would make a great backgrounder for a discussion on balancing power in Iraq in the effort to build a democratic government there.
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National Public Radio’s web content about the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Iraq offers a nice blend of interviews, factual reporting, and images from the scene. There’s an emphasis on political, economic, cultural, and military issues and their relationships with one another. Try this one as a starting point for an in-depth current events discussion.
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