Teaching about Africa, Africa America and th African Diaspora
A Two-Day Institute for K-12, College Educators, Librarians, June 16th and 17th, 2003
Day One of the Institute opened with an introduction of "Africa of the Imagination": Misconceptions and Stereotypes", followed by two sessions - "Islam in Africa" and "Colonialism in West Africa", and a panel on "Comparative Political Systems".

~ Evening Panel (open to the general public) "Theme: Connecting Africa and the Diaspora"~

Day Two of the Institute opened with an introduction of "Africanisms in the Diaspora", followed by two sessions - "Cultural Music Contributions of People of African Descent" and "Social Movements", followed by a panel on "Literature of the Diaspora".

At the end of both days, teacher-mentors held pedagogical workshops and develop solid classroom application with participants, as per California Standards. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks were provided each day, along with complimentary teaching resources.

http://www.ias.berkeley.edu/orias/

The Role of Food in World History

2002 ORIAS Summer Institute for Teachers July 29 - August 2, 2002

How has the history of mankind been driven by the need for food? Food was arguably the earliest necessity for human society and control of a food supply continues to be a driving force for political and economic organization. Even social customs and religions are affected by myth and ritual concerning the handling of food. As in the past, food-production continues to define our relationship with nature. Civilizations rose and fell because of systems of food-production and distribution. The 2002 ORIAS summer institute for teachers will focus on the history of food as a tool for teaching about world history in the middle and high school classroom. The institute is free and open to all interested educators. Enrollment is limited to 40. Two graduate credits can be arranged through U. C. Berkeley Summer Sessions for a tuition fee. There will be a limited number of scholarships available. The Institute meets from 9:00 to 4:00 daily. Applications are available on-line or by contacting Michele at ORIAS (510-643-0868). Go to http://orias.berkeley.edu/summer2002/home2002.htm to get more information.

Cultural Representations in Children’s Literature Summer Institute
Outreach for International and Area Studies (ORIAS)
Summer Institute for K-5 Teachers and Librarians
July 30st  -  August 3, 2001

ORIAS 2001 summer institute will focus on the literacy skills and cultural representations in children’s literature.  Scholars from U. C. Berkeley’s International and Area Studies Centers and mentor teachers will present a program of lectures, panels and workshops on international topics in K-5 fiction. The Center compiled a listing of the African Studies Association Award Winning Children's Books.

The institute is free and open to all interested teachers and librarians. Please pass the word to any colleagues you think might be interested. Enrollment is limited to 40.  Two graduate credits can be arranged through U. C. Berkeley Summer Sessions for a tuition fee. There may be a limited number of scholarships available. Please see the ORIAS website for an application.

Hero's Journey Database Now On-line!
Outreach for International and Area Studies (ORIAS)
History Through Literature - Sundiata (also spelled Sunjata)

Between 1998 and 2000, ORIAS held a series of teacher institutes at U.C. Berkeley on the theme of teaching pre-modern history through a caparative study of heroic stories.  As a follow-up to these popular institutes, ORIAS in partnership with Interactive University, teachers, scholars, and performers developed a ditigal library for teachers interested in introducing the tales in their world history and literature classes.  Sundiata links of resources including, lesson plans, timelines, books, films and standards can be found at this library.  Listen to and see an introduction to Sundiata , baobob leaf song, and the walk song, performed live by oral storyteller, Yacine Kouyate.  Read the story of Sundiata, characters, and background at the Sundiata home page.

Curricula in Development
Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE)

SPICE is developing curriculum units that introduce students to human rights and child labor. Students will be introduced to these issues through case studies from Africa, East Asia, Russia/Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Lessons are now being field tested and reviewed for secondary education.  Other lesson plans available include South Africa in World Historical Perspective, and Preventing Deadly Conflict: Toward a World Without War