Contemporary Egyptian Voices: Studying Literature to Learn about Modern Life and Culture in Egypt

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Middle and Secondary Levels

Author: Lynn Marsico, Participant of the 2009 Fulbright Hays Group Project Abroad

Rational: In this activity, students think about how literature can represent a culture and society. They will read several short pieces of literature written by Egyptians in the last 50 years. As they read, they will identify cultural practices of contemporary Egyptian life and also create questions about the lifestyles of contemporary Egyptians. Students will then attempt to find answers to their questions and factual information that supports or negates the assumptions they made about modern life in Egypt.
Grade Level: 6-12
Subject: World Literature, World Cultures and Grade 7 Social Studies (enrichment)