Lesson

Arabia and Iraq: Government and Economy

Students learn about the types of governments and economies in the region of the Arabian Peninsula. They examine the role oil plays in the region’s economies. Finally, they consider several solutions to U.S. dependence on foreign oil and make an argument for one solution.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the types of governments and economies in the region of the Arabian Peninsula. They examine the role oil plays in the region’s economies. Finally, they consider several solutions to U.S. dependence on foreign oil and make an argument for one solution.

In scene 2 to scene 4, students will work in small groups to explore political and economic features of a specific country and to discuss oil consumption in the United States. This is a discussion-rich experience, so if you need to set ground rules for respectful group work and discussions, do so before the experience begins.

Objectives:

Describe the types of governments and economies in the region.
Assess the role of oil in the economies in contemporary Arabia and Iraq.
Examine the issue of oil consumption and dependence in the United States.

The governments and economies of Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula are interconnected, primarily because of their primary natural resource—oil. You will learn about these politics and economies in this experience.

Objectives:

Describe the types of governments and economies in the region.
Assess the role of oil in the economies in contemporary Arabia and Iraq.
Examine the issue of oil consumption and dependence in the United States.

Doha, Qatar

What resource from Arabia or Iraq might you have used to get to school today? Use a word or short phrase to answer the question.

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Ask students what form of energy they used in their transportation. Maybe some walk or bike to school, or maybe they rode in an electric vehicle. But many of them likely arrived in vehicles that use gasoline or diesel fuel.

Many of you arrived in a vehicle that uses petroleum—oil. The world has a strong dependence on oil. Did you know that much of the world’s oil is drilled in the region of the Arabian Peninsula? In this experience, you will learn more about the economies and politics of this region, much of which revolves around the production of oil.

Divide students into their small groups. Assign each group one of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Yemen.

Assign a note taker and reporter to upload the report for each group, or tell the students to choose their own reporter.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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