Expanding the Ancient World Workshop

This workshop will take place online; a Zoom link will be provided via email to registered participants.

This workshop is presented in partnership with OER Project. Registration is required via the OER Project's website.

Expanding the Ancient World is a series of professional development workshops and online resources for teachers. Keyed to the NYC Department of Education Social Studies Scope and Sequence, this program is designed to offer K-12 educators opportunities to develop their knowledge of the ancient world and to provide classroom-ready strategies for teaching the past with reliable sources. Featuring inquiry-based workshops, flexible lesson plans, and up-to-date research, Expanding the Ancient World aims to equip teachers with information and skills that they can share with their students. CTLE credits will be offered to New York State teachers.

Early belief systems weren't just priests, temples, and lists of gods to memorize. Religion was embedded in every aspect of people's lives—at home, in the marketplace—and it informed everyday decisions. In this session, we'll explore the "lived ancient religion" approach, shifting the focus from institutions and doctrines to the real choices and practices of ordinary people. Through three case studies from the ancient Near East and Mediterranean, we'll make belief systems feel tangible, complex, and human. You'll leave with practical teaching strategies to help students move beyond surface-level summaries so they can question, investigate, and connect lived ancient religion to broader historical themes.

Workshop led by Greg Woolf (Leon Levy Director and Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Studies, ISAW)

Participants will receive 1.25 CTLE hours.

If you have any questions regarding the Expanding the Ancient World program please email ETAW@nyu.edu.

Please check isaw.nyu.edu for event updates.

ISAW is committed to providing a positive and educational experience for all guests and participants who attend our public programming. We ask that all attendees follow the guidelines listed in our community standards policy.