About This Resource

Scholars from the University of Chicago developed this teacher resource to provide an overview of Middle Eastern cultures and their contributions to the world. [Learn More]

Foundations

Gain a broader understanding of the Middle East with these core modules.

The Geography of the Middle East

The Origins of Civilization

The Golden Age of Islam

The Middle East As Net Exporter
of Religion

Historical Perspectives

Compare aspects of culture before
and after the advent of Islam.

Writing and Literature

Rulership and Justice

The Question of Identity:
Ethnicity, Language, Religion, and Gender

Empires to Nation-States

The Middle East as Seen Through Foreign Eyes

Classroom Connections

Explore and share your newfound knowledge with your students.
Each learning module contains scholarly essays to help you frame the issues and examine stereotypes, as well as provide lesson plans developed in partnership with high school educators. [Browse Lesson Plans]