Past Workshops
Islam and Culture around the World
This workshop is designed to inform secondary school educators about the cultures, economic systems, governments, and other aspects of life in the Muslim world to allow for a richer understanding of people living in these regions and countries. It will extend existing resources for understanding Islam and provide teachers with authentic experiences and materials. The keynote talk will be given by Christina Michelmore (Chatham University) on “Islam: Faith, Culture, Civilization.” Dr. Michlemore will discuss the historical development of Islam as a faith; how interpretations of that faith created ways of life associated with religion; how imperialism, modernity and inefficient governments challenged those ways of life; and how Muslims have met those challenges with a variety of responses - traditionalist, reformist, radical, and reactionary. Educators who traveled to Egypt on a federally funded Fulbright-Hays program will provide participating teachers with lesson plans to use in the classroom. Following their presentation will be a panel of Muslims from diverse backgrounds giving their perspectives. (June 14, 2011)
World Population, Food and the Environment
This workshop will address population growth and the challenges it poses – in particular, the challenge of providing everyone with an adequate diet while simultaneously conserving the natural resources on which agriculture and other economic activities depend. Both science and social studies teachers will be able to learn about the environmental issues involved in food systems that impact production, with special attention to population growth and the prospects for environmentally sound agricultural development in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Speakers will include: Dr. Douglas Southgate (Ohio State University) and Amanda Lavelle - South Butler SD Teachers will be provided with suggested lesson plans, classroom exercises and other curricular material. This workshop is being offered for 3 Act 48 continuing education credits. Dinner and parking will be provided. This workshop is free. This workshop will be held in cooperation with the Asian Studies Center, Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science Teachers at the School of Education, and Global Solutions Pittsburgh. (May 26, 2011)
Nuts & Bolts of the UN
While dozens of schools and thousands of high school students in Southwestern Pennsylvania participate in Model United Nations, the overwhelming majority does not. For these students, their knowledge of the UN and its functions is fairly limited. This workshop will provide background information on the history of the United Nations, its evolution as an international organization, and its current role in the international community. In addition to the traditional discussion of the Security Council and peacekeeping missions, a strong emphasis will be placed on how the UN touches the lives of people on a daily basis. While far more mundane than security issues, the majority of the work done by the UN goes unnoticed, but is essential for daily life in a globally connected world. Teachers will be provided with curricular and background reading materials as well as information regarding Model UN. This workshop will be held in cooperation with the Global Solutions Pittsburgh. (May 4, 2011)
The World History Course: An Overview for Teachers
These six workshops provide a comprehensive review of the materials and issues in teaching world history. Taken together, the workshops provide a graduate-level course in curriculum design and implementation. The course is organized for both middle school and high school teachers, in the expectation that interaction among teachers and familiarity with a wide range of materials and issues will strengthen teachers at each level. Rather than center on a specific curriculum, the course focuses on major underlying issues in teaching world history: how students learn, how teachers can facilitate global thinking, how to set and sustain course priorities, examples of materials on world history since 1500, use of field trips in teaching, and assessment at various levels. Course directors are Patrick Manning (Director, World History Center) and John Meyers (Associate Professor in Instruction and Learning, School of Education).
- Workshop 1, October 2, 2010 (Saturday): “Teaching and Learning World History” (Bob Bain, University of Michigan) How students learn, as addressed by this nationally noted authority, including: the design and use of history-specific technology for students engaged in historical inquiry; discussion of teaching and learning history in museums and with museum resources.
- Workshop 2, November 13, 2010 (Saturday): “Pedagogy of World History” (John Myers and Lawrence Charap) Global thinking and global processes in the classroom: a model lesson on U.S. immigration is expanded to a world context. Participants will then analyze the lesson, conclude whether it works, and discuss pedagogy in a world history framework.
- Workshop 3, December 4, 2010 (Saturday): “Teaching World History since 1500” (Thomas Anderson) Materials and ideas for the high school world history course. Approaches to teaching include thinking in terms of continents, oceans, networks, global phenomena, and global stories. Examples include the slave trade, revolutions, migration, and the environment.
- Workshop 4, February 26, 2011 (Saturday): “Overview and Priorities for Teachers of World History” (Patrick Manning) Setting and achieving goals for the whole school year, rather than week by week. How to develop consistent themes and debates; how to strengthen pacing by involving students in linking time periods.
- Workshop 5, March 26, 2011 (Saturday): “Western PA in World History” (Marc Jason Gilbert, Hawaii Pacific University). The editor of World History Connected presents new teaching materials and field trips on our region in world history. Examples include waves of settlement, economy, religion, community, and connections of Western PA to other regions.
- Workshop 6, April 23, 2011 (Saturday): “Assessment in World History” (Patrick Manning and John Myers)
Human Rights
Consistently teachers report that one of the topics that their students are most interested in is human rights. For this workshop we intend to bring in a well-known speaker to present on the broad aspects of the topic internationally and nationally, and then discuss local dimensions and provide ways for students to get involved. By providing a well-known speaker we will be able to draw attention to the significance of the topic being discussed. This workshop is being offered for 3 Act 48 Credits and will be held in cooperation with the Global Solutions Pittsburgh. (February 16, 2011)
Teaching Global Issues Through Narrative Film
Teachers frequently use narrative film to complement the traditional lecture format of classroom instruction. Fortunately there are a significant number of readily available narrative films that deal with international issues. For this workshop we will invite back Dr. Karl Skutski, an Adjunct Professor of International Film Studies at Duquesne University. He will provide suggestions for films to use for various topics and review important elements of film studies to discuss in conjunction with viewing a film for academic purposes. This workshop is being offered for 3 Act 48 continuing education credits. (October 27, 2010)
Experience the World Through Simulations
Experiential learning tools are becoming increasingly popular and well recognized as valuable teaching methods. This workshop will introduce the use of these tools in the classroom and describe the pedagogical benefits of their use. We will discuss Model UN, Model EU, and Moot ICC as well as the new Euro Challenge program. This workshop is being offered for 3 Act 48 continuing education credits. (September 16, 2010)
Global Education Lab
The Global Education Lab is an information-packed full-day workshop on global education for teachers and administrators. The Workshop is hands-on intensive and provides you with everything from global perspectives to lesson plans and supplementary materials for the next day’s classroom. (August 21, 2010)
How to Teach Humanitarian Intervention in 45 Minutes
Conducted by Taylor Seybolt, Assistant Professor of International Affairs and Interim Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. This workshop will cover issues related to the Responsibility to Protect, UN peacekeeping, and more. It will be hosted the same day as the Pitt Model UN Conference; a break will be given so that teachers may observe their students for part of the day. This workshop is being offered for Act 48 credit. (November 9, 2009)
How to Design a Global Issues Course for Your High School
Undoubtedly global issues education is a prerequisite to success in this global economy. However, many schools in the region do not offer their students Global Issues or Global Civics classes. This workshop will help teachers design a new global issues class or add global issues components to existing classes. Class content will be covered but the primary focus will be on mechanics of designing and adding a class to your school’s curriculum. Global Solutions Board Member and teacher at South Fayette, Felix Yerace, Professor Dave Manel of the Community College of Allegheny College and Jessica Friedrichs of Carlow University will be presenting. This workshop is being offered for Act 48 credit. (October 2009)
Think Global / Act Local: Pittsburgh and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
GSP in cooperation with the Global Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh will be hosting a series of workshops on the UN Millennium Development Goals. Over four nights, all eight Goals will be presented from both an international and local angle. Many of the issues facing the UN and highlighted by the MDG are so often thought of as problems of the developing world. This workshop will present those traditional aspects but also show how the issues affect people right here in western Pennsylvania. Experts from a variety of community organizations will be on hand to present each MDG and offer volunteer opportunities for high school students. Representatives from Adagio Health Inc., Brother’s Brother Foundation, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, Magee Womancare International and the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force will be presenting. The workshop will be primarily targeted at teachers, but students are welcome to register and attend. These workshops are being offered for Act 48 credit. (September/October 2009)
Understanding Islamic Frameworks in a Global Context
Keynote Speaker: “Islamic Democratic Discourse”, Dr. Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware Plus panel discussions to include the topics: Muslim Minority Populations in Europe, Islamic Finance and Commerce, Islamic Law and Politics, and The Muslim Brotherhood Additional speakers: Melissa Parker, University of Pittsburgh Adnan Zulfigar, J.D., University of Pennsylvania Dr. Tony Gaskew, University of Pittsburgh, Bradford Susan Hascall, J.D., Duquesne University Haider Ala Hamoudi, J.D., University of Pittsburgh Sponsored by: CERIS, European Union Center of Excellence/European Studies Center, Global Studies Program, International Business Center (Pitt CIBER), Russian and East European Studies Center, PennLauder, CIBER (May 21, 2009)
Free at Last? Pittsburgh’s Place in the Atlantic World
The World History Center, The School of Education and the Global Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh presents a workshop for secondary teachers, extending the materials of “Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries,” an exhibition at the Heinz History Center created by the University of Pittsburgh. The exhibit traces our region's longstanding involvement with slavery. It is centered on records from 1792-1857, newly discovered by the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds, that document the sale, freedom rights, and imprisonment of more than 50 slaves and indentured servants in Western Pennsylvania. The workshop will explore materials from the exhibit and will provide curriculum materials on Pennsylvania, U.S. history, and world history. Act 48 credit is available for participation in the workshop. (April 25, 2009)
Global Crises, Global Solutions
As the new president begins his term in power, what are the most important global crises that we will have to face and what are some possible solutions to those crises? Accelerating climate change, financial instability, migration, outsourcing, pandemics, corruption, and protectionism are challenging crises that transcend cultural and national boundaries. Such crises are complex and often poorly understood, leading to discussions of public policy based on misunderstandings, faulty information, or oversimplification. The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and the Global Studies Program of the University of Pittsburgh are offering an educational program titled 'Global Crises, Global Solutions'. Spread over five three-hour weekly sessions between March 21st and April 18th, this program will help us better understand these challenges by leveraging the collective knowledge of a team of doctoral students of GSPIA to shed light on the questions and issues at hand, while keeping in mind the local connection. 'Global Crises, Global Solutions' will offer participants a unique opportunity for cooperative engagement with budding academics as well as fellow participants from the Pittsburgh community to discuss these pressing global challenges and share insights on what has and has not worked in attempting to solve them. (March 21- April 18, 2009)
China Today: Ethnicity, Education and Innovation
China Today is a 14 hour workshop over a weekend which will explore: - Who are “the Chinese”? How does China’s muti-ethnic composition affect educational opportunity and career advancement? - Education in China past and present: how does the history of education in China affect educational opportunity today? - What is in store as China moves from techno- logical supplier to technological innovator? Workshop participants will receive 13 Act 48 credit hours. To see a brochure click here. (March 20-23, 2009)
How to Teach the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 45 Minutes
Teachers will be given a basic substantive introduction to the history and content of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A packet with information and resources for use in a 45-minute length class will be distributed to participants. Wes Rist and Amy Langham will discuss methods and activities for engaging students in the learning process and resources available online to educators. Teachers will leave with the capacity and materials to teach the course and adjust it to any age group. Two additional keynote speakers will also address the teachers. Workshop participants will receive 3.5 Act 48 credit hours. Visit this website for more information: http://www.cmu.edu/global-solutions-conference/. (February 21, 2009)
Contemporary Egypt, Shaped by the Past
This workshop series is designed to help high school educators incorporate age-appropriate and culturally sensitive content into existing school curricula. While its historic stature as a world leader is well known, today's Egypt remains the most influential Islamic Arab nation in the world. Rather than attempt a broad-brush summary of Egypt's past, the workshops provide essential background information for just a few relevant topics. The result is content and instruction modules making dynamic connections between past and present, useful in classrooms of art, world cultures, sociology, history, current events, and world religions. Lesson plans are available for the workshops below.
- Workshop 1 - Egypt: Influences and Intrigue (June 17, 2008)
- Workshop 2 - Egypt: Changes and Choices (October 13, 2008)
- Workshop 3 - Egypt: Perceptions and Politics (February 7, 2009) Read more.
Pittsburgh 250 – Pittsburgh and the World circa 1758
In November 1758, exactly 250 years ago, British colonial troops assumed possession of the French Fort Duquesne at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The settlement located there became know as Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh was in its infancy in the mid-18th century, many nations were also in the midst of volatile change. Though Pittsburgher's knowledge of these global events was limited; what was happening in other places would impact their future. This workshop will examine global political, economic, religious, and social events circa 1758 and look at their implications for the Pittsburgh region. Travel with us to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America as we look at case studies from each continent. This workshop for middle and high school social studies teachers is designed to broaden educators' knowledge about world history and help them develop lessons for classroom use. World regional experts will discuss historical overviews focused on political, economic, religious, and social concerns of the 18th century. Discussions will be followed by breakout sessions lead by a curriculum development professional who will guide teachers in preparing lesson drafts based on the day's content. Teachers will be given additional time to complete and submit the finalized lesson. The University Center for International Studies (UCIS) will format and publish the lessons. All participants will receive copies, and they will also reside on the UCIS area studies centers' Web sites. (October 13, 2008)
Model United Nations at Your School
This professional development workshop is designed for secondary educators to prepare their students to participate in Model United Nations Simulations. Morning session will begin with an introduction to the United Nations (UN) as an international organization. Afternoon session will focus on current issues of the UN that are most relevant to Model UN Simulations. The workshop will close with participants not only learning the rules of debate, but how to teach them to their students. (August 13, 2008)
Current Global Issues: Corporate Ethics and Human Rights
This faculty and graduate student development workshop looks at corporate ethics and the role they play in human rights issues. The workshop is divided into two panels: the first addresses issues of corporate ethics and labor, and the second focuses on issues of corporate ethics and the state. Panelists include Michael Goodhart, associate professor of political science, University of Pittsburgh; Patrick Atkins, CEO, Atkins 360 L.L.C Sustainability and Consulting; Dan Kovalik, Esq., assistant general council, United Steelworkers Union; Douglas Branson, W. Edward Sell Professor of Business Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law; S. Mohsin Hashim, associate professor of political science, Muhlenberg College; Luis B. Schwartz, Esq., president, China Strategies; and D. Wes Rist, Esq., assistant director, Center for Legal Education, University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Sponsors include the Asian Studies Center, Center for Latin American Studies, Center for Russian and East European Studies, Global Studies Program, European Studies Center, European Union Center for Excellence, International Business Center, and Global Solutions Education Fund. (May 21, 2008)
Materials Development for the Less Commonly Taught Languages
This workshop with Bill Johnston, associate professor of Second Language Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, focuses on teaching foreign language reading skills, offering a range of suggestions for using written texts at various levels of language teaching. It emphasizes interactive, communicative ways of utilizing authentic texts in the language classroom. Sponsored by the European Studies Center, the Global Studies Program, the Center for Russian and East European Studies, and Center for Latin American Studies. (February 21, 2008)
Otto Chu Essay Contest
For Pennsylvania high school juniors and seniors, the topics for 2007 are 1) Melanesia, the southwestern region of the Pacific Islands; 2) Rapid development in China and India has caught the world's attention; and 3) Japan and Korea have both made significant inroads into the world market for consumer goods, notably in automobiles and electronics, and corporations from both countries are now multinational, with factories in the United States as well as other countries, so identify and compare their strategies for achieving this global success. Sponsored by the Chu Financial Management Corporation, Global Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, and University Center for International Studies. (April 22, 2008)
Allegheny County Intermediate Unit County Wide Workshop: Women, Religion, and Society Around the World
This workshop looks at how Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism have interpreted the role of women in religion and society. Presentations address the following themes: history and the status of women; texts and interpretations; symbols and gender; sexuality and social change; and women's official and unofficial roles. Sponsors include the Global Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, Center for Russian and East European Studies, and European Studies Center. (October 8, 2007)
!Carnaval! Around the World
This professional development workshop for elementary and middle school teachers explores Carnival traditions in eight cities and towns throughout Europe and the Americas. Educators become acquainted with festivities held in the lead up to Lent, as well as harvest ceremonies and political movements such as the emancipation movement. The workshop enables teachers to integrate the study of Carnival traditions into classroom curricula, either as an entry point for the study of different cultures or as a complement to existing curriculum on cultural diversity. Sponsored by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Center for Latin American Studies, the European Studies Center, and the Global Studies Program. (September 23, 2007)
Egypt: Intersection of East and West
Throughout the millennia Egypt has played a pivotal role in the geopolitical crossroad of cultures. It is seen as a site of political, social, and religious change as Arab, African, Western, Islamic, and Christian cultures meet and mingle in the latest of a long history of encounters. Workshop speakers highlight the historical and contemporary significance of east and west convergence and its impact upon Egyptian society throughout the ages. Egypt is a place to begin studying how the western world developed as a result of synergies, divergence, and the "clash" civilizations, and how the "Oriental" world has responded and evolved as a result of interactions with the west. The workshop is designed for secondary and tertiary educators with interest in western civilization, world cultures, world religions, the Middle East, Africa, African American history, and foreign languages. Sponsored by the Global Studies Program and the Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies. (April 21, 2007)
Global Economics: Understanding Today's World
This workshop focuses on economic ties that increasingly bind the world together: foreign investment and commerce among countries in disparate regions. It offers 9-12 educators training in the language of economics, (trade flows, goods and services, comparative advantage, transitional economies, etc.), and then explores the impact of the global economy on different regions of the world. Sponsored by the Global Studies Program, Center for Russian and East European Studies, Center for Latin American Studies, and European Studies Center. (April 14, 2007)
