Teach the Middle East Educator Conference
Not just for educators—open to the public!
In 2009, the World Affairs Council, in cooperation with the Portland State University's Office of International Affairs continues its Teach the World Educator Conference and Youth Forum Series on with the Teach the Middle East Conference for K - 12 Educators.
WHAT?
This timely Conference will open with a keynote panel of students from the Middle East and continue with grade level curricular workshops and breakout sessions representing the magnificent, ancient, strategic and controversial cultures of Turkey, Iran, Israel and the Arab world. This unique cultural immersion experience will also include a continental breakfast, a mid-day ethnic meal, entertainment and a chance to visit both a Middle Eastern Market and with members of organizations representing several Middle Eastern countries. Breakout sessions will address religion, language, geography, literature, women, the family, travel opportunities, opposing viewpoints and country specific art, history and culture.
WHERE & WHEN?
The Conference will take place at Portland State University on April 18th, 2009 from 8:30 to 4:30. The Keynote Panel & mid-day market and lunch will take place in Smith Memorial. All breakout sessions and the closing will take place in Smith Memorial Union. Please consult the PSU website for building locations and parking structures.
WHY?
Relations between the U.S. and the Middle East directly affect the lives of people the world over. Understanding this region and its people is an essential part of the skills and knowledge needed to live and work in an increasingly interdependent world. The World Affairs Council of Oregon and PSU’s Middle East Studies Center are partnering in a concerted effort to increase this much needed understanding.
HOW?
The cost for teachers and the general public is $25. Full-time students will pay $15. Please use the registration form on this page to register for the event. A detailed program will follow your registration. The deadline for registration is April 14th. Many curricular materials will be available at the Conference, both free and for purchase. *This Conference is the second in our "Teach the World Educator Conference and Youth Forum Series". It will be followed on December 11, 2009 by a "Teach the Middle East Youth Forum" for middle and high school students.
|
|
A Portrait of Turkey Comes to Oregon
The World Affairs Council of Oregon is one of 14 Councils nationwide to receive a grant from the Turkish Cultural Foundation to bring a multi-faceted program about Turkish culture to teachers, students and to the Portland community-at-large. The three-part program will span a year, providing wonderful opportunities for learning:
Part 1 | Spring 2009
A Portrait of Turkey will be a central feature of our April 18th Teach the Middle East Conference for K-12 Educators organized in partnership with PSU’s Middle East Studies Center. Turkish Art & Architecture, History and Culture, Religious Diversity and Political Development in Modern Turkey will be among the topics addressed. In addition, there will be a performance by a local Turkish folk dance group and an opportunity to sample Turkish cuisine during the lunch break. We anticipate over 200 teachers will attend this enrichment day at Portland State University.
Part 2 | Summer 2009
Teachers participating in the Portrait of Turkey track of the Teach the Middle East Conference for K-12 Educators will be able to apply for a Study Tour of Turkey in the summer of 2009. The trip will introduce teachers to modern Turkey with all its richness and complexities, as well as Turkey’s centuries old history and cultural traditions, many of which are little known to most Americans.
Part 3 | Fall 2009 Community Events
October 30: The Delight of Turkish Cuisine, Culture and Community
Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal, a Turkish Folktale enactment, Folk Dance & Music, a display & sales of Turkish art & artifacts. Hear from recent visitors to Turkey and meet members of the local Turkish community & PSU Turkish faculty and students. More Information
November 4: A Vision of Turkey through Film & Discussion
Enjoy Turkish coffee and desserts while viewing the 2005 documentary, Crossing the Bridge – Sounds of Istanbul a journey through the music scene and cultural life in modern Istanbul, Turkey. This wonderful film is an inspired portrait of Turkish music — from arabesque to indie rock and rap. This will be topped off with a discussion led by Dr. Pelin Basci, PSU Professor of Turkish Language and Culture. More Information
November 8: The Arts and Crafts of Turkey
Join us for an open house and enjoy presentations on Turkish artistry, decorating advice from a Street of Dreams consultant, demonstrations on Turkish coffee making, a mini tutorial on signs and symbols in Turkish carpets, merchandise prize drawings and a 35% discount throughout the day, all the while sampling Turkish coffee, meze and baklava treats! More Information
|
