Expanding the Ancient World Workshop:

This workshop will take place in person at ISAW.

Registration is required at this LINK.

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.

This gallery workshop invites teachers to learn more about Islamic art and material culture during the early Medieval Period (711–1031 CE) through the ISAW exhibition Madinat al-Zahra: The Radiant Capital of Islamic Spain. The show tells the story of how the Umayyad dynasty built their capital of Madinat al-Zahra (936–1013 CE) and transformed the Iberian Peninsula, which they named al-Anadalus, into a bustling hub for scholars, artists, and diplomats from Baghdad to Byzantium. Moving through the gallery, the workshop explores how objects such as architecture, pottery, sundials, and coins can be used to discuss life in Islamic Spain, as well as broader themes such as power, scientific discovery, fashion, cuisine, and Islamic artistic traditions. The workshop will showcase engaging activities that can be used in both the gallery and the classroom to discuss these subjects and help students delve into this unique moment in the history of Europe and Islam. We also welcome teachers to discuss bringing their classes to the exhibition and to take advantage of our new digital multimedia educational materials for the exhibition.

Workshop led by Carl Walsh (Institute for the Study of the Ancient World)

Participants will receive 1.5 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.