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CMENAS offers a variety of resources for students, teachers and the general public. These items and links are organized as follows:

 

SILK ROAD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Two thousand years before today?s global economy, an exchange network linked East and Central Asia with the Mediterranean world via the Silk Road. This two-part workshop for teachers explores the rich interactions resulting from these commercial ties, historically and into contemporary times.

Wednesday, March 19 and Saturday, May 3
Primary audience: middle and high school educators
Location: Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor
Materials and meals included, registration fee for each session $10.00; $15 for both (registration form)

The workshops are co-sponsored by the Centers for Chinese Studies (CCS), Korean Studies (CKS), Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS), Russian and East European Studies (CREES), and South Asian Studies (CSAS) at the University of Michigan International Institute. All presentations will address current grade-level content expectations.

PART ONE, MARCH 19: 4:30-7:30 pm
Musicscape?Music and Culture of Kazakhstan and Central Asia
As part of a week-long residency of the musical group, Roksonaki - direct from Kazakhstan - this workshop introduces new and traditional music from Central Asia in its cultural and historical context. The ensemble is joined by Dr. Helen Faller, anthropologist and Board Vice-President of the Central Asian Cultural Exchange. The session includes a video projection on everyday life as well as information about culture, geography, and social context. Lesson plans and teaching suggestions will be provided.
The Roksonaki ensemble is available for school visits; contact Marya Ayyash at mayyash@umich.edu. Featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Roksonaki provides a unique opportunity to experience the range of Central Asian musical styles from narrative songs and shaman chants to newly-created works.
Deadline for reservations: March 5, 2008

PART TWO, MAY 3: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Silk Roads and Maritime Trade?Encompassing the Globe
Explore the trade routes over land and across sea that created a cross-cultural dialogue with diverse regions around the globe. The workshop includes presentations on the history and development of trade networks (e.g. spices and silks) and cultural identities (e.g. religion and language), and information on geography and current events presented by U-M faculty and independent scholars. Lesson plans, interactive activities, and resources also provided.
Deadline for reservations: April 18, 2008