Sept. 19, 2007 – For anyone who has desired to visit the home of Jason and the Argonauts or explore the land submerged by Noah’s flood, a unique seminar at the University of Utah will offer these and many more intriguing experiences, while equipping K-12 teachers with the skills to bring some fascinating regions of the Middle East into Utah’s classrooms.

“From the Shores of the Black Sea to the Steppes of Central Asia” is an international seminar hosted by the Middle East Center Outreach Program and the Department of Teaching and Learning that will examine Turkey’s northern coast from Istanbul along the shores of the Black Sea, over the Silk Road into the recently independent countries of Central Asia.

K-12 educators and interested others will gain from classroom-relevant information and activities. The seminar includes presentations by invited scholars, videos, demonstrations, hands-on activities and discussions.

The seminar will meet on four Saturdays: October 27, December 8, February 9 and April 12 as well as for a two-day workshop held at the Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah in June. It will conclude with a trip to the Black Sea in Turkey.

The cost of the seminar is $350 and offers three semester credit hours through the Department of Teaching and Learning. A limited number of stipends for books and tuition are also available for teachers. For an application, please contact the Middle East Center Outreach Program at 581-5003 or visit the website at www.mec.utah.edu/outreach.