Re-mapping the Middle East
Preamble: Over time, the boundaries and borders of the Middle East have under gone an immense amount of change. The empires, states and cultural groups that have existed there has been diverse, peaceful, dynamic, progressive as well as tumultuous. Currently, ISIL has brought to light the uncertainty that such a region can hold. What will that region look like in the future? Below, you will see a map of the region as it was obtained by the US and the UK. Their role in the history of the region speaks for itself. Now, if you were given control of the region as a class, what would you do differently?
Task: As a class, your ultimate task is to determine how borders should be arranged and facilitated to maintain peace in this region and to mitigate conflict.
1) Identify the historical influences in this region over time as they pertain to your group.
2) Focus your attention to the current plight – What borders exist currently? Be sure to consider political, geographic, economic, environmental, resource, ethnic, and religious components as you look for a solution.
3) Propose a map, with your group in mind, for the future of the Middle East and describe your rationale for its design.
4) Use your proposal, while representing a group, to aid in the creation of a new map in the region.
Individually, the end product should include:
1) A visual and/or written account of historical changes
2) Documentation analyzing the present situation.
3) A map and/ or a written rationale of your decision making
4) Literature Cited
Methodology:
· Traditional written package supplemented with maps and images.
· Digital Presentation
· Videographic style video
List of ethnic / religious / political groups that will be represented:
Israeli’s
Palestinians
ISIL
Levantines
Wahhabi’s
Sunni’s
Shiites
Kurds
Turks
Other?? (There are literally dozens of other ethnicities that dwell in the region – do you think one not on the list should be represented?)
Assessment:
10 / 8 / 6 / 4 / 2Historical account
(Small Group) / Your documentation and chronological account is detailed, visual and nicely outlined. It is clear that you understand the transitions of this region well. / The documentation of historical transitions is strong. It is thorough and nicely articulated. / The historical account is adequate. It covers the basics and identifies the major components / While you have some of the processes documented it is either poorly done or consists of a considerable amount of errors. / This section has clearly been done hastily or without much thought. It lacks depth and accuracy.
Present Situation
(Small Group) / This project has demonstrated a wealth of knowledge of the current situation in the Middle East. It is detailed and thoughtful of the different stakeholders in the region. / The present situations in the middle east are nicely identified and it is clear you are well versed in the causes of conflict and strife. / You have addressed all of the basics adequately. It is clear you have a general understanding of the current dynamic in the Middle East. / Your understanding of the current situation in the Middle East is mired with errors and some confusion. Revisions need to be done. / Your understanding of the current situation in the Middle East is sketchy and filled with holes. Further work needs to be done.
Proposed Design
(Small Group) / Your proposal Is poignant, thoughtful and considerate of the complex situation that involves a number of religions, cultural groups and societies. Your solution is creative and has taken into consideration the past and the present milieu in its derivation. / Your design for the future is solid. It is thoughtful and comprehensive but misses out on some fine details. / An acceptable production, You futuristic model covers the basics, but neglects to consider the complexity of the region. / A flippant response, your future design is dysfunctional and / or unclear. It needs revision and greater consideration of the facts available. / A poor representation, your project is weak and shows a lack of understanding of the complex groups that occupy the Middle East. This portion of the project needs to be reconsidered.
Advocacy
(Small Group) / You have represented your group with passion and you have articulated your stance with thorough knowledge. / You have represented your group with well and you have articulated your stance with good knowledge. / You have represented your group with reasonably well and you have articulated your stance with some knowledge. / You have represented your group and you have articulated your stance with some knowledge. / You have represented your group haphazardly and you have articulated your stance with weak knowledge.
Final Agreement
(Full Class) / The final presentation is extremely well laid out and clearly showcases the information. / The final presentation is well laid out and neatly displays the information. / The final presentation sufficiently displays the information so that the reader is able to discern the focus of the information. / The presentation is somewhat scattered and makes the project difficult to follow at times. / The project is consistently difficult to follow.