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The objective of this unit is to learn about the political, cultural, religious and economic aspects of the Middle East and, by using this knowledge, develop a suggested plan for bringing peace to the Middle East.
Students will read from Eastern Hemisphere (the class textbook) as well as support materials available from the teacher. Students are expected to gather information from libraries, the Internet, class materials, and any other source available to them. Students will be responsible for four mini-projects and one culminating project. They will have four weeks to complete this projects.
When finished with this project, students will be able to:
- identify geographical features and countries in the middle east
- articulate the religious differences among the people in the region
- identify reasons for political conflict in the middle east
- recognize the importance of Jerusalem
- identify economic conditions in the region
- identify cultural differences between people of the middle east
Political
Read pages 87-92 in Eastern Hemisphere.
Identify the types of government represented by the nations in the Middle East. How can these various governments work together to bring peace to the region? What political hurdles stand in the way of peace? What role does the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) play in the region?
Mini Project: Fill out the graphic organizer matching the Middle Eastern nation to the appropriate political system.
Religious
Read related articles on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, the major religions in the Middle East. What are the commonalities? What are the differences? Use a Venn Diagram to show these similarities and differences?
Jerusalem, the Holy City for each faith, is often the center of dispute. Each side wants the city for its own. Develop a plan that may be acceptable to all, that resolves the issue of Jerusalem.
Mini Project 1: Read the related articles and find the commonalities and differences in the three major religions of the area. On the Venn Diagram given to you in class, chart the religion facts that you found in the appropriate sections of the Venn Diagram.
Mini Project 2: On a map of Jerusalem, identify the items or areas, which are important to each of the major religions of the region.
Economic
Read Eastern Hemisphere pages 605-09, 625-29, 630-34.
The region is rich in oil and the oil producing nations have formed an organization called OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) to control the production and sale of oil. The economy of the area is also comprised of agriculture, shipping and transportation, tourism, telecommunications and defense.
Mini project: Write a five-paragraph essay explaining a way for the economy of the region or one country to improve. For example, you can expand agriculture, streamline oil production, or increase cooperation on transportation.
Cultural
Read Eastern Hemisphere pages 615-19.
What cultural similarities are there between the nations of the Middle East? What differences exist? Which similarities can aid in your quest for peace in the region? Which will impede it?
Mini project: Use a graphic organizer to identify cultural similarities and differences between the Middle Eastern nations.
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