Herbst Library

Imagine that our class is planning a field trip to a country in the Middle East! We're looking at a number of possible destinations, and your job is to make a presentation about one country. The presentation may be made in any format - PowerPoint, a reproduced pamphlet with explanation, poster, etc. - but should include pictures so that we can get a sense of the place.

Your task is twofold:

1. Design an itinerary and tell us what we'll see.
2. Tell us what we will experience in the country outside of the sites. Think here about customs, culture, dress, technology, food, transport, hassles and dangers, climate, etc.

This is a limitless assignment, but you must keep in mind the firm deadline and adjust yourself accordingly. Don't take on too much here.

Begin by looking at the Internet resources below. I suggest starting with the Lonely Planet web site. Additional resources can be found on the Middle East history resources page under Urban Courses.

Book resources include:

• Encyclopedia articles on the individual countries. (print or online) Britannica Online, Comptons, Encarta, Grolier, etc.
• Almanacs (Reference Dewey call # 317) Provide basic information/facts about the country.
• Culturgrams (Reference Dewey call # 390/CUL) These books provide information about the culture of the country. Important information included about

Internet resources that will help the groups for all countries:

• World FactBook: This resource contains factual information about each country, its government, and people. The countries are arranged alphabetically.
• Lonely Planet country guidebooks, travel information and other resources for the Middle East.
• A Map of the Middle East may be found on the World FactBook (click on Reference Maps near top of page and then on the Middle East map in either .jpg or .pdf format.)
• Yahoo Countries: This site provides easy alphabetical access to maps, information about cities, country guides, travel aids, arts, news and much more for all of the countries.
• The Internet Public Library Newspapers: Use this virtual library to locate newspapers and magazines for each country. Newspapers may be found in English or in the language(s) of the country.
• Center for Disease Control Click on Destinations and then Middle East to locate Middle East travel health information and advisories.
• eLibrary This web based electronic database provides access to information found in books, newspapers, magazines, and on radio and television. The database also includes maps and pictures. Remote access requires an Urban School ID and password.

To locate additional images, audio and video clips, use Google Images at http://images.google.com/ or AltaVista Image, Audio, Video search capabilities at http://www.altavista.com/sites/search/simage (click on type of resource you wish to find). Be sure to be selective in your search terms. Remember to research not surf. Use + and "" symbols to limit your search.

Additional resources: Middle East History Resources

Created by Carolyn Karis and Dan Matz, 26 November 2001
Last Updated 27 January 2007