Lesson Information

Pre-Lesson | Tele-Lesson | Post-Lesson

Grade Level Audience:

While primarily geared for 9-12 grade students, many of the activities and the reflections on the travel experience could be shared with students at the middle school level.

Curriculum Targets:

This program can be integrated into any course that seeks to increase international exposure and understanding.  It will include an investigation of Saudi Arabia's physical geography and its impact on the people, culture (including its central position as the birthplace of Islam), historical development, education system, the economy and importance of petroleum, and Saudi Arabia's role in the region and world.    It is hoped that this exploration will also reveal the impact stereotypes often play harming intercultural understanding.

Lesson Description:

This program will have two major components (1) Depending on availability and quality of internet access while in Saudi Arabia, there will at minimum be a blog with regular posts and photographs to describe experiences and observations.  If technology, connections, and time allow, there may also be audio or video casts when possible.  (2)  In addition to sharing experiences, participating classrooms will be invited to complete short activities related to the travel program to enhance understanding and generate additional curiosity about Saudi Arabia.  This may include website exploration, library research, class discussions, journal reflections, or the creation of questions/comments to ask Kevin Witte as the program progresses.

Objectives:

(As the program unfolds, other objectives may move to the forefront, but these are the current points of focus.)

1. Students will make connections between the physical geography of the Arabian Peninsula and how it shapes everyday life.
2. Students will compare the Saudi system of education to that of the United States.
3. Students will examine the historical development of Saudi Arabia, Islam, and the modern impact of oil production on the country.
4. Students will explore the role of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and the larger world.
5. Students will examine their own perceptions of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, determine if these perceptions include stereotyping, investigate what shapes these stereotypes, and assess any potential problems stereotyping may create in trying to understand another part of the world.

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