Iran Through the Looking Glass: Perceptions and Misperceptions

A Summer Institute for Educators

June 29 - July 2, 2008
Brown University, Providence, RI


America's vexed relationship with Iran, which began during WWII, was heightened after the 1979 revolution and the US hostage crisis. With new troubles brewing in the Middle East, Iran once again occupies a central place in American foreign policy. In 2002, President Bush declared Iran to be a part of the “Axis of Evil,” and while some scoffed at the label, few in this country challenged the general perception of Iranians being religious fanatics, hell-bent on building nuclear bombs. But how accurate are these characterizations, and how much do we really know about Iran? How has history shaped contemporary Iran and its relations with the world? What is the role of Islam in Iran's politics and culture? Is democracy possible in Iran? Is Iran determined to build nuclear weapons, and if so, for what purpose? Join us for an intensive summer institute exploring these questions and more.

The Choices Summer Institute will give participating teachers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Iranian culture and politics, and explore critical issues in Iranian-U.S. relations. Major themes covered during this institute will include:

  • Islam and Iranian society
  • The role of Islam in politics
  • Democratic forces in Iran
  • The history of Iranian-U.S. relations
  • Current pressing issues in Iranian-U.S relations, including nuclear proliferation and Iran’s involvement in the Iraq conflict

During the institute teachers will be introduced to the Choices Program’s new curriculum unit, Iran Through the Looking Glass: History, Reform, and Revolution, and online lesson, The U.S. and Iran: Confronting Policy Alternatives. They will explore effective instructional strategies for engaging adolescents. Participants will:

  • Gain hand-on experience working with the Choices curriculum and its student-centered approach to instruction
  • Learn how to examine controversial issues in a balanced fashion
  • Explore ways to incorporate digital technology into instruction, including the use of blogs and wikis.

While in attendance, participating teachers will learn from leading scholars in the fields of history and political science, as well as experts in social studies and educational technology. Working collaboratively, teachers will also have opportunities to develop and share curriculum with other dedicated and innovative teachers.

Participating scholars include:

Jo-Anne Hart , Associate Professor, Lesley University; Adjunct Faculty, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University [Jo-Anne Hart will serve as the lead scholar for this summer institute.]

Mariam Habibi, Professor of HIstory, New York University in Paris; IB History Teacher, International School of Paris

Engin D. Akarli, Joukowsky Family Professor of Modern Middle East History; Professor of History, Brown University

Ali Banuazizi, Professor of Political Science, Boston College; Codirector, Program in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies 

Jo-Anne Hart and Mariam Habibi have participated in the development of Choices curriculum materials on Iran. Additional participating scholars will be identified as they are confirmed. For a sample of the kinds of scholars participating, see the 2007 Scholar Biographies.

Who Should Apply

The Choices Summer Institute is designed to stimulate and support secondary-level educators who are interested in teaching international issues and are prepared to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities. Applicants should have experience teaching social studies at the secondary level, be familiar with the Choices approach, and have an interest in introducing other teachers to the Choices Program. Twenty teachers from across the country will be selected to participate.

How to Apply

Download our online application. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008.

Please fax, email, or snail mail your completed application to:

The Choices Program
Summer Institute: Iran Through the Looking Glass
Watson Institute for International Studies
Brown University, Box 1948
Providence, RI 029

Fax: 401-863-1247
Email: Choices@brown.edu

Expenses Covered

The cost of the institute, housing and meals will all be covered. All participating teachers will receive curriculum materials from the Choices Program. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses.

NOTE: The Choices Program 2008 Summer Institute is being made possible with the generous support of the Cranaleith Foundation. Additional support is provided under a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.