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The Past Is Told by the Victors: Exploring the Other Side of History
Events and accounts are not always accurate. They are usually dictated by the victors. Explore how history is told and how who is telling the past can affect the understanding of it. See lessonLatest Lessons
Skate Parks in the Abstract: Analyzing the Alternative World of Abstract Photography
The Impact of the Taj Mahal: Analyzing Changed Perceptions
The Life of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus: Analyzing What Makes an Effective Leader
Training Somaliland's Next Generation of Caregivers: Identifying the Thesis and Supporting Arguments
About Learning Center
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Learning Center offers guided lessons, interactive tools and collaborative activities for learners from middle school to undergraduate university. Many lessons support US Common Core State Standards, and all build off articles published in AramcoWorld.
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Skate Parks in the Abstract: Analyzing the Alternative World of Abstract Photography
Art
Biography
Photographer Amir Zaki rejoices in skateparks, so much so that he has captured what otherwise would appear as empty slabs of concrete as transformed, dynamic landscapes. Explore how framed shots of skateparks can alter perceptions of reality.
The Past Is Told by the Victors: Exploring the Other Side of History
Art
Biography
History
Fertile Crescent
Events and accounts are not always accurate. They are usually dictated by the victors. Explore how history is told and how who is telling the past can affect the understanding of it.
The Impact of the Taj Mahal: Analyzing Changed Perceptions
Architecture
Art
Culture
History
South Asia
Prior to the 18th century, Western Europeans had a disparaging opinion of India and its culture. But this began to change after seeing prints and paintings of the Taj Mahal. Analyze how the Taj Mahal changed Western European opinions of India.
The Life of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus: Analyzing What Makes an Effective Leader
Biography
Geography
History
Europe
North Africa
Septimius Severus rose from humble beginnings to become the emperor of Rome. Learn about the life of the second-century-CE Roman politician, and analyze what made him an effective leader.
Training Somaliland's Next Generation of Caregivers: Identifying the Thesis and Supporting Arguments
Biography
Culture
Geography
Women Studies
East Africa
Now in her 80s, Edna Adan has, during her long life, been a midwife, educator and public-health pioneer. Conduct a close reading exercise to find the thesis of the article, identify evidence that supports the thesis and develop questions for further investigation.
Building a Mudhif: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Sustainable Architecture.
Architecture
Culture
Environmental Studies
Geography
History
Americas
Levant
The Mudhif, a traditional reed structure, dates back 5,000 years ago to the Sumerians. Examine how a small community of Arab and non-Arab volunteers overcame challenges to replicate one.
The Resilient Fig Tree: Analyzing Fig Tree Resilience to a Changing Climate.
Culture
Environmental Studies
History
North Africa
Levant
Delve into the historical significance of the fig tree to make logical inferences, and analyze the development of central ideas detailing the ways that scientific and agricultural communities can work together utilizing ingenuities to combat the challenges of climate change.
Hijrah: A Case Study in Migration and Turning Points
Culture
Geography
History
Arab Gulf
Explore two key social studies concepts—migration and turning points—as they relate to an article about a museum exhibit about the Prophet Muhammad’s seventh-century-CE journey from Makkah to Madinah.
Rajasthan's Folk Musicians: Exploring How and Why Music Matters
Art
Culture
History
South Asia
Lakha Khan’s community comprises a hereditary caste of professional musicians called Manganiyars. Explore the influences of music, first in the music of the Manganiyar, then in your own music.
Bringing Cultures Together Through Anime
Art
Culture
Geography
History
Arab Gulf
Think about what happens when artists from two very different cultures join forces to create something new.
Palermo’s Palimpsest Roads: A Study in Multicultural Cooperation
Architecture
Art
Culture
History
Europe
Palermo, located in Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, has a long history as a meeting place of many cultures. Define multiculturalism, and explore how different metaphors affect our understanding of diversity.
Tapping into Story: Exploring Art and an Artist’s Motivation
Culture
Biography
Levant
Americas
Dance and improvisation have had a profound effect on the spiritual life of Andrew Nemr. Explore how dance and storytelling open up opportunities for communication among people.
English Language Arts Standards
Common Core State Standards
Learning Center lessons support one or more US Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 9 to 12. Through focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and other skills, CCSS helps ensure that learners are prepared for college courses and entry-level careers.
Learning Center lessons focus on guidelines within seven CCSS anchor standards.
- Reading for Literature (RL)
- Reading for Informational Text (RI)
- Writing (W)
- Speaking and Listening (SL)
- Language (L)
- Reading for Literacy in History/Social Studies (RH)
- Writing for Literacy in History/Social Studies (WHST)
A detailed list of all CCSS guidelines incorporated in Learning Center lessons is