The Middle East in Transition The Choices Program The Middle East in Transition

Values Activity In your envelope you will find ten cards with different values on them. Thinking about the United States role in the Middle East, rank the values based on their importance to establishing stability in the region. Now with your neighbor/ groups discuss your justifications for your top three rankings. 15- 20 minutes

Who is Choices? The Choices Program is non-profit organization based at Brown University. Choices materials incorporate the latest scholarship from Brown University to draw connections between historical events and contemporary international issues. In each unit, a central activity challenges students to consider multiple viewpoints on a contested issue. Students examine the historical, cultural, and political background of the issue to prepare a coherent presentation.

Choices Core Beliefs An American public that doesn’t know and doesn’t care about international issues is a dangerous thing. Most questions in history, geography and current affairs have multiple, conflicting answers. The who, what, when and where are (usually) not debatable, but the WHY, the HOW and the SO WHAT are perpetually open to reinterpretation.

Why Use Choices Focus on critical thinking and skills needed for thoughtful, deliberative dialogue (Common Core) Values inform public policy and encourage civic engagement The units are flexible and can be modified Students have active learning through the role play 5- 10 min.

Options Role Play- Middle East Read the Presenting Your Option/ Committee on Foreign Relations of the U.S. Senate Option groups read your option then fill out the Expressing Key Values sheet. Then fill out the graphic organizer for your option only Senators read The Options in Brief and drafting AT LEAST three questions for the committees Meet with your option group, use your notes to create your 3- 5 minute presentation Senators review and share your questions and decide which questions you will ask to each option & which senator will be the lead As we run through the simulation make sure you are filling out the Graphic Organizer or Evaluation Form 50 min.

Focusing Your Thoughts Use the Focusing Your Thoughts sheet to synthesis the simulation & to create your own understanding of what the U.S. role in the Middle East should be. On the back answer the questions to create your own 5th option. Reflecting on the process Questions??????? 20- 30 min.

Choices Website Apply for the 2017 Choices Institute Tons of resources on www.choices.edu Current Events Lessons Video Clips http://www.choices.edu/resources/scholars_middle_east_lesson.php#graffiti Scholars Curriculum 10 min.

Contact Info Mario Fitzpatrick mfitzpatrick@washoeschools.net