Introduction to the Arab World

(48 mins) This film introduces the people and places of the Arab world and addresses the most important concerns confronting the Arab world today - in a format designed for those with little or no prior knowledge of the region. This production is divided into three 15-minute sections, which may be viewed consecutively or interspersed with discussions or exercises. The "Overview" contrasts factors that unite all Arabs with those unique to each region in the Arab world. "Islam" presents the historical background and basic tenets of the social, cultural, political, and economic concerns of the Arab people today. A supplementary guidebook accompanies the videotape and includes the video script, notes to the script, a timeline, maps, classroom exercises, informational hand-outs on Arabic civilization, a glossary of terms, and an annotated bibliography of suggested introductory readings.