The Middle East, Islam, and the Arab World

Public school teachers (K-12) from Region VII and X Education Service Centers may take this seminar to receive six hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit.

Tuition: $20.00

Registration:

Walk in registration only: when you attend the seminar, you will fill out the form and enroll.

If any question, please contact me at mkho@tjc.edu or call me at 903-510-2279.

The seminar will be at the Board Room (TJC's main campus.  The Board room is at the 1st floor. Once you enter from the main door, you will see the room at your right hand side.  No Food or Drinks Permitted in the Board Room.  The Board Room stays cold beyond my control.  Please wear a warm jacket or bring a blanket.


Location: For the direction to find the Board Room, please click on the link.  Campus Maps & Driving Directions 

This seminar is open to the public.

For any questions about the seminar and registration process, please call: 903-510-2279 or e-mail mkho@tjc.edu

• May I just show up to the seminar?
  Yes, you may decide in the last minute about your participation and show up at the seminar.  Based on the space availability you will be enrolled.

• Do I have to stay for the whole duration of the seminar?
  If you want full credit, yes.  If you want a partial credit, no.  For every hour of your presence, you will be credited accordingly. However, you must inform the instructor about your partial presence.

• What do I need to bring to the seminar?
  You may bring a pen and paper to take notes for your essay.  A warm jacket or blanket is also recommended since the Board Room stays very cold. 

• May I bring a friend or relative to the seminar?
  Yes, you may do so.  My seminars are open to the public.

Schedule

Learn about the Middle East Map by clicking at the following links:

http://www.mideastweb.org/maps.htm

http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2learn/MidEast.html

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html

http://www.mapsofwar.com/images/EMPIRE17.swf

http://www.mapsofwar.com/ind/history-of-religion.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/4385768.stm

Some other useful links click here

Seminar Description:
This seminar is designed to eliminate misconceptions about the Middle East and Islam by lecture format, slide presentation, video tape viewing and hands-on exercises.

The primary objective of this seminar is to introduce students to the politics of the Middle East, and to the beliefs and ideas that shape those politics.  First, we will trace the history, cultural and human geography, and economy of the Middle East. The course will then examine the types of government, the peoples of the region, the potential for democracy and modernization.   The final section will provide specific attention to the region’s ongoing relations with the United States and West; the rise of Arab nationalism and Zionism; the emergence of religious fundamentalism; the Arab-Israeli dispute; the 1991 Gulf War and its aftermath in the Gulf region and the American war in Afghanistan.  

Following misconceptions will be clarified during this presentation:

Misconception #1: Islam is fundamentally different from Christianity and Judaism and Muslims worship a different God.

Misconception #2: Muslims worship Muhammad.

Misconception #3: Islam is a religion only for Arabs and "Arab" and "Muslim" refer to the same people.

Misconception #4: Middle Eastern women are oppressed, unable to leave their homes, work or have a basic education.

Misconception #5: Muhammad wrote the Qur'an.

Misconception #6: Islam was spread by the sword.

Misconception #7: Islam is violent and fatalistic religion.

Misconception #8: The Middle East is one big sandy desert with lots of camels, populated by... men in turbans and long white robes... women in black with their faces covered... men waving long curved swords... harems with scantily clad women serving one man... husbands with four wives... rich oil sheikhs... and terrorists.

Misconception #9: Muslims hate all non-believers, and our cultural differences are insurmountable.

Misconception #10: The Arab world and Muslims are backward and uncivilized. They cannot adapt to Western societies and they live in medieval times.

Misconception #11: Middle East is populated with fanatical Muslim extremists.

Misconception #12: In Muslim countries, all marriages are arranged.

Discussions are led by Dr. Manoucher Khosrowshahi, TJC political science professor, Middle East specialist, and Fulbright scholar.

The intended audience for this is students, teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, missionaries, traveling business people, senior citizens, and anyone interested in global education and cultural understanding.

Testimonials by students and audience

• Back to Dr. Manoucher Khosrowshahi Page

• Back to Tyler Junior College