turkey on our minds and in our classrooms - World Affairs Council

HISTORY AND CULTURE
ARTICLES & LESSON PLANS
Turkey: a Curriculum Guide for Secondary School Teachers
http://www.outreachworld.org/Files/university_of_pittsburgh/Turkey_guide_final.pdf
Turkey: A Curriculum Guide for Secondary School Teachers was created to provide information on the
historical and contemporary development of the Turkish nation, and in so doing, to assist teachers in
meeting some of the criteria indicated in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Academic
Standard Guidelines. This document was published by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for
Russian and Eastern European Studies department.
Outreach World
http://www.outreachworld.org/index.asp
This unit aims to expose students to a Middle Eastern country in a positive way. The activities focus on the
theme of Turkey, comparing Turkish life with American students' experiences. Here you can find
downloadable instructional materials for educators on Turkey and other countries and international topics.
Turkey Unit
http://www.outreachworld.org/resource.asp?curriculumid=33
Touches on the history, culture, and people of Turkey.
The Ottoman Empire—Discovery Education
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/suleyman/
In this lesson plan students will come to understand the state of the Ottoman Empire during the reign
of Suleiman the Magnificent, as well as its strategic position as a crossroads of trade between Europe
and Asia. (Grade Levels 9-12)
Byzantium—Discovery Education
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/byzantium/
Students will draw a large timeline to talk about the history behind the city of Byzantium, which later
became Constantinople, and which is now called Istanbul. Students will learn about major leaders,
economic developments, social changes, military activity, and other major events in the city during that
time.
Teaching Ottoman History: A Primer
http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/files/Teaching_Ottoman_History.pdf
The Ottoman Empire was an innovative and multicultural state that lasted for over 600 years. In its
heyday, its economic power and military successes made it feared as well as admired in Europe and
elsewhere. This resource introduces brief background information and resources on the often
misunderstood Ottoman Empire as well as a few innovative curriculum possibilities.
(All grade levels)
Illinois University: Center For South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
http://www.csames.illinois.edu/outreach/mideast/
Many of these curriculum units focus on a varied blend of cultural, social, traditional, and religious
issues, each discussed in appropriate depth. In order to foster curiosity many of these units focus on
hands-on activities, such as making a Ramadan Lamp, designing your own currency, or creating a
Turkish carpet.
World Affairs Council Resource Packet: What the Rest of the World can Learn from Turkey Today – March 20, 2012 30