Middle East

In the aftermath of September 11th, many Americans have developed a heightened awareness of the Middle East and wish to learn more about this complex area of the world. Although the news media focuses on recent conflicts, a more complete picture of life in the Middle East highlights its rich cultural diversity and historical accomplishments. In addition to being the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Middle East is known for its extensive trade networks, architectural and archeological sites, and unique musical and artistic traditions. At the same time, the region faces deep political, social, and economic challenges around issues such as the role of religion, authoritarian government, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and tensions over reconciling globalization and western culture with local norms. Teachers frequently find themselves fielding student questions regarding recent events in the region, which our programs help them to contextualize. Primary Source provides teachers with meaningful professional development that includes both comprehensive academic content and practical classroom applications. This combination supports teachers in thinking critically and openly about how to teach the Middle East in their schools.

Seminars 2009-2010

Passionate Perspectives: Conflict and Peace in the Modern Middle East

Three-day seminar series
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Primary Source
Dates: February 26, March 19, and April 9, 2010
PDPs/Credits: 27 PDPs; 1 graduate credit for the series
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost other than fee for 1 graduate credit; Non-partnership educators - $300 plus fee for 1 graduate credit
Registration Information

What are the challenges and opportunities for peace in the Middle East region? This course will introduce the political and historical roots of the region's most pressing points of conflict and examine efforts to resolve them. Topics include: Israeli-Palestinian relations; sectarian violence; the development of Hezbollah and other armed political groups; Islamism as a political force; and peace and human rights campaigns from the grassroots to the diplomatic sphere.

February 26, 2010
Regional Conflicts
Richard Norton, Boston University

March 19, 2010
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Kirk James Beattie, Simmons College

April 9, 2010
Toward Peace: What are the Forces for Social Change and Reconciliation?
Berna Turam, Hampshire College

Suitable especially for educators in grades 6-12.

Middle East Politics Present and Future: A Symposium in Conjunction with the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University

One-day symposium
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Brandeis University
Date: October 14, 2009
PDPs: 5 PDPs
Free and open to all K-12 educators
Registration Information

This symposium is a unique opportunity to learn about regional conflicts in the Middle East today--an up-to-the minute briefing with internationally renowned analysts and scholars from Brandeis, the region and around the world. Panel topics include: Arab-Israeli prospects for peace; the developing situation in Iran; and current regional issues involving Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf states. This opportunity is recommended especially for teachers who already have a basic familiarity with the politics and history of the Middle East, but all interested educators are welcome.

Registration Information

Partnership educators: Registration must be approved through your school district.

Please get in touch with your school district's Primary Source contact person and let them know which program(s) you are interested in. Upon approval from your district, Primary Source will contact you with instructions for online registration.

Non-partnership educators:

Space is limited. Please send your registration request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Space permitting, retired educators are welcome to register for Primary Source seminars at a discount of 50% off the non-partner rate.

Registration deadline is Friday, September 25, 2009.