University of Chicago Library: Teaching the Middle East: Writing: Islamic Period

Two related learning modules consider Western perspectives on the Middle East, beginning with the Persian invasions of Greece (fifth century BC) and moving forward into the present time. Useful background on the history of wartime and...

Learning module considers the writing systems and literature of ancient Mesopotamia before the arrival of Christianity or Islam.

An overview of the cultures, contributions, history, peoples, and geography of the Middle East developed specifically for educators. Learning modules, essays, maps, scholarly perspectives, resource and image banks, framing questions, and...

Learning module considers questions of identity among populations of the Middle East, both ancient and modern, in terms of their ethnicities, language spoken, religious affiliation, and gender.

Learning module considers the language, literature, material culture, and architectural monuments of classical Islamic civilization (AD 610-1258).

Learning module looks at the ancient peoples of Mesopotamia, including the Sumerians and Akkadians. Particular emphasis given to the status of women in the region, religious practices, and language.

Learing module on the origins of civilization explains the chronology and environmental context of the so-called Neolithic revolution, the period when early civilizations in the Middle East arose and began to domesticate plants and animals.

Learning module on the physical geography of the Middle East considers the impact of the landscape and climate on both ancient and modern societies in the region.

Learning module considers the significance of the Middle East as a center of religious origins and beliefs. Essays and illustrative materials follow the development of the religious traditions of the region, from the polytheistic animism...

The conflict in the Middle East is a hot topic that can be somewhat confusing. In order to better grasp the who, what, where, when, and why of this world affair, learners fill out a chart. They record basic facts about each country...