Inner Asian & Uralic National Resource Center

The IAUNRC is located at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus and has spent decades gathering leading specialists, impressive library collections, and other top-quality resources to create the nation’s premier program in Central Eurasian Studies. The IAUNRC is a Title VI National Resource Center dedicated to raising awareness about its target area: namely Turkic, Iranian, Mongolian, Uralic, and Tibetan cultural spheres. Some countries included are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.

Below is a list of the videoconference program they offer. Each program is free of charge and available by request.

Music of the Silk Road

Description: This program features a brief overview of the Silk Road before delving into a survey of music and instruments found on Silk Road. Includes sound of many of the individual instruments showcased.

Grades: K-12

Other Worlds of Architecture

Description: This presentation provides an overview of architectural history in Central Asia and parts of the Islamic World along the famous Silk Road. We will discuss both artistic aspects of Islamic architectural design, as well as the geographic and historical context of their construction.

Grades: 6-12

The Aral Sea & Central Asian Ecological Problems

Description: This program deals specifically with the Aral Sea, arguably the greatest ecological disaster in the history of the world. Participants are walked through its case from its beginnings in Ancient History, through the Middle Ages, to the days of the Soviet Union and the beginning of the end for the sea.

Grades: 8-12

Baikonur and the Soviet Space Race

Description: This program attempts to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the Space Race, as seen from the other side: namely, the Soviet Union. We look at both their successes and failures, as well as the modern reality of the Russian space program being located in the independent country of Kazakhstan.

Grades: 5-12

The Real-Life Locations of "Three Cups of Tea": Teaching about Afghanistan and Pakistan

Description: This program is designed to aid middle and high school teachers in exploring the book "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. The program presents basic information on the geography, culture, and politics of Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with discussion questions. The materials can be tailored to different grade levels and subjects. The program is designed to accompany in-class use of the book "Three Cups of Tea" and frequently refers to the book's content. It is not intended as a stand-alone resource on the region, nor is it intended to replace instuctor-led discussion of the book.

Grades: 6-12

History of Silk Road

Description: This program deals specifically with the Silk Road: where it ran, how it came to be named, who traveled it, its importance in World History, and what it can teach us about world trade today.

Grades: 6-12

To register for a program, SCKDLN members email: Audra May. Non-members can find their programs on www.cilc.org.

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