Vancouver Institute for Afghan Studies
VANCOUVER, B. C.
CANADA
2002
Part I – Introduction
The following is a package of class preparation materials intended for instructors at the B.C Institute for Afghan Studies. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for research and instruction related to cultural studies, focusing, in particular, on the cultural attributes of the people of Afghanistan.
The Institute will initially offer courses in four subject areas:
(1) Dari;
(2) Pashto;
(3) History; and
(4) Cultural.
The courses will be offered at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. However, in the initial term, the Institute will only offer courses at the basic level. In the following term, courses will be offered at the basic and the intermediate terms. In all subsequent terms, courses will be offered at all three basic, intermediate, and advance levels.
The term for each course is four months, not including the exam period and a post-term conference. Two one hour long classes will be held weekly at a location to be determined. (Please see attached schedule.)
In addition to these courses, the Institute will offer additional sessions in such areas as Afghan art, craft, cooking, etc.
The purpose of this package is to assist instructors at the Institute in developing a course description for these subjects. This package is comprised of three parts. Part 1 Introduction and general information about the course. Part 2 contains the instruction for the description of the courses. Part 3 provides detailed information about the proposed courses. This curriculum is designed for Afghan youth who were born or have grown up in exile. B.C. Institute for Afghan Studies have designed a specific curriculum for non-Afghans who would like to learn more about Afghanistan, its longstanding cultural values and history. These courses will be developed in collaboration with the University of British Columbia Faculty of Continuing Studies.
Part II – Instructions for Course Description
The course description for each of the classes is comprised of four sections:
(1) Objectives of the Course;
(2) Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course;
(3) Method of Delivery;
(4) Course Outline; and
(5) Evaluation Criteria
(6) Outcome
1. Objectives
The “Objectives” section should list some of the major skills, talents, or areas of knowledge that the student should have acquired some level of competence or understanding. At the end of the course the expectations will be measured by the levels of competence and should be described as either: (1) Familiarity; (2) Understanding; and (3) Mastery.
2. Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course
In this section, instructors should list the texts, reference books, audio-visual materials, computer software, stationary materials, and any other materials they believe will assist students in achieving the objectives of the course. Instructors should note that students may have financial difficulties in purchasing materials. Therefore, to the extent possible, these lists should attempt to take into account issues of accessibility.
Instructors should also list materials that they intend on providing to students or they intend on using in the class. This includes, but is not limited to, audio-visual materials, texts, computer software, etc.
3. Method of Delivery
Course may be taught in one or combination of several formats, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Self directed studies
- Problem based learning
- Distance learning
In this section of the course description, instructors should indicate which format or formats they intend on using to teach the course.
The lecture format of teaching is one in which the instructor imparts information to the class through what is, essentially, a planned monologue. In this format, questions and student discussion of material is often limited. This format may be more appropriate for classes where a relatively large amount of information needs to be conveyed in a short period of time.
Seminars are often smaller lectures where students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class. This format is often more appropriate for classes, such as language classes, where the instructor needs to be able to provide attention to students on an individual basis. Moreover, this format often works well when the students are relatively well-informed about the subject and motivated enough to conduct individual research which they can share with other students in the class.
Workshops are used to teach more specific skill based knowledge. In this curriculum it pertains more to the art classes. Problem based learning is actually self-directed studies in which the instructor acts as a facilitator in the conversation between students. This method of instruction relies on students actively participating in the class discussion and learning from that discussion, while the instructor passively guides the conversation. In this curriculum the determining method for all cultural studies will be problem based learning methods.
Finally, the Institute has developed methods for distance learning. These courses may use video-taped lectures or the internet to provide instruction to students in remote locations.
4. Course Outline
This section of the Course Description should include a description of the materials that will be covered in each class. It should describe the materials, and the session in which they will be covered. Although strict adherence to this schedule may not be required, instructors are strongly encouraged to remain on the schedule they set-up in the course outline.
5. Evaluation Criteria
In the Evaluation Criteria section instructors should identify the forms of evaluation and the weighting each form will receive in the overall assessment of each student. Although, each instructor may want to employ different evaluation criteria and assign each of the criteria a different weighting, what each course should have in common is a transparent system of evaluation that is disclosed at the beginning of the course. The most common evaluation and assessment method used in this curriculum include:
- Written examination
- Oral examination
- Self assessment
- Peer assessment
- Course work evaluation
- Attendance and participation in discussion
Part – III Course Description
Basic History
Objectives
The objective of this course is to deliver the basic history of Afghanistan in relation to the region from ancient times to modern days. Outcome at the end of this course, the student should:
1. Have mastered the history of Afghanistan and it’s periods;
2. Have a basic understanding of the territory, religious and cultural interaction, and important rulers in Afghanistan.
3. Be familiar with the neighbouring countries in the region and their relationship to Afghanistan.
Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course
Other than basic stationary, students will not require any materials for this course. The main course of course material is provided by the instructor in the form of hand-outs before each class.
The instructor presents a short video clips, slides, pictures, maps and other materials detailing the periods of history and historical monuments. The title of the audio- visual material is
Method of Delivery
(Please check those that apply)
o Lecture o Seminar
o Self-directed Learning o Distance learning
Course Outline
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
January 5 1.5 hours 1) Introduction to the History of Afghanistan
a) Present territory of Afghanistan
b) Geography of Afghanistan
January 12 1.5 hours 2) Prehistory (Archeological findings)
a) Neanderthals
b) Neolithic Culture
c) Bronze age
d) Ariana
January 19 1.5 hours a) Achaemenians
b) Greco-Bactrians
c) Kushans
d) Sasanians
January 26 1.5 hours 3) Medieval period (The first Muslim dynasties)
a) Tahirids
b) Saffariids
c) Gaznavids
d) Ghurids
e) Khwarezm-Shahian
February 2 1.5 hours a) Mongol Invasion
b) The Mughals
c) Safarids
February 9 1.5 hours 4) The last Afghan Empire
a) Hotakis
b) Durrani daynasty
c) Barakzai dynasty
Course Outline (Continued…)
(Please provide an outline of the topics you will teach and a timetable for the course.)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
February 16 1.5 hours 5) British Invasion
a) The first Anglo-Afghan war (1839-1842)
b) The second Anglo-Afghan war (1878-1880)
c) The third Anglo-Afghan war (1919)
February 23 1.5 hours 6) Modern Afghanistan
a) King Amanuollah
b) Habibulla Bacheh Saqqau
c) King Nader Shah
March 2 1.5 hours a) Republic of Afghanistan (Mohammed Daud)
b) The Communist regime
- Nur mohammed Taraki
- Hafizullah Amin
- Babrak Karmal (Russian Invasion)
- Nadgeb Ulla
March 9 1.5 hours f) Islamic Rivelary
- Hazrat
- Rabany
- Taleban
March 16 1.5 hours 7) Present situation
`
In addition, there will be two hours of self-directed study
Evaluation Criteria
Each student’s final grade will be determined by the following (weighting for each in brackets):
1. Performance in the Personal Research/Presentation Project (60%);
2. Performance on the Mid-Term Examination (20%); and
3. Performance on the Final Examination (20%).
Details of the Personal Research and Presentation project will be provided in class. At that time, the criteria on which each project will be evaluated will also be presented.
There will be a mid-term examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught in class from the beginning of the course until [insert date]. Each student’s mark on the mid-term examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
There will be a final examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught from [insert date] until the end of the course. Each student’s mark on the final examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
Part III – Course Description
Basic Dari
Objectives (please provide an objective) Dr. Amiri
At the end of this course, the student should:
1. Have mastered the basic skills in reading and writing of Dari script;
2. Have a basic understanding of the literature history, poetry, and important
scripts; and
3. To be familiar with the basic ideas on the relationship of literature to the cultural values of Afghan people.
Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course
In addition to basic stationary, class will require a VCR, television set, projector, screen, audiotape and CD player.
The list of recommended books include:
- ?
- ? Dr. Amiri
- ?
In addition the teacher provides instructional materials for every class in the form of hand-outs. The instructor also presents audiovisual materials on specific subjects. The title of the audio and video materials at present time include:
- ?
- ? Dr. Amiri
- ?
- ?
Method of Delivery
(Please check those that apply)
o Lecture o Seminar
o Self-directed Learning o Distance learning
Course Outline
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
Sep. 21, 02 1 hours
Round table introduction
Students opinion on their needs and interests in learning Dari
Afghanistan’s accents
Difference between “language” and “literature”
Speaking in sentence
Question – answer
Oct. 5, 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
What is culture?
Culture – general definition
Culture – specific divination
Dari, Farsi or Farsi-ye-Dari (Persian)?
Speaking in sentence
Question – answer
Oct. 19, 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Speaking in sentence
Thinking and wisdom in our literature
Discussion
Nov. 2, 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Writing a sentence
Humanity in our literature
Discussion
Nov. 16, 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Public speaking
Discussion
Nov. 30, 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Beginning of poetry in our language
First poets
Discussion
Course Outline (Continued…)
(Please provide an outline of the topics you will teach and a timetable for the course.)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
Dec.14. 02 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Principles of speaking and listening in our literature
Discussion
Jan.4, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Freedom and liberality in our literature
Discussion
Jan. 4, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Freedom and liberality in our literature
Discussion
Jan. 18, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Coexistence and forgiveness in our literature
Discussion
Feb. 1, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Prejudice/fanaticism, self-conceit and humbleness in our
literature
Feb. 15, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
What makes a poem?
Dou-baitie, Roba’ee (distich – couplet)
Discussion
March 1, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Ghazal (lyric poem)
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
Course Outline (Continued…)
(Please provide an outline of the topics you will teach and a timetable for the course.)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
March 15, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Qasida (Elegy or ode)
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
March 29, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Mathnawi (poetry consisting of distiches)
Other kinds of poetry
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
April 13, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Modern poetry
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
April 27, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Poetess in our literature
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
May 10, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Grammar
Image of women in our literature
Poetry reading and speaking
Discussion
May 24, 03 1 hours
Discussion about homework
Review of previous topics
Question – answer
June 7, 03 1 hours
Examination
Evaluation Criteria
Each student’s final grade will be determined by the following (weighting for each in brackets):
4. Performance in the Personal Research/Presentation Project (60%);
5. Performance on the Mid-Term Examination (20%); and
6. Performance on the Final Examination (20%).
Details of the Personal Research and Presentation project will be provided in class. At that time, the criteria on which each project will be evaluated will also be presented.
There will be a mid-term examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught in class from the beginning of the course until [insert date]. Each student’s mark on the mid-term examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
There will be a final examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught from [insert date] until the end of the course. Each student’s mark on the final examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
Part IV – Course Description
Cultural Studies
Name of Course: ___________________________________
Level of Course (Please check one): o Basic o Intermediate Cultural Studies o Advanced
Name of Instructor: _________________________________
1. Course Objectives
(Please list the objectives for the course.)
2. Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course
(Please list any materials students require for the course, and/or materials you recommend to students for the course. Also, please list materials you intend on providing to students and the source of such materials.)
3. Method of Instruction
(Please indicate the method of instruction you will use for the course.)
o Lecture o Seminar
o Self-directed Learning o Distance learning
Course Outline
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
1hour Role of the family/individual in society
Code of honours for Afghans
Kakagy, Ayary
Gender identification
Role of religion/cultural background
Cast system in Afghanistan? How does if affect us as a
Society.
Tribal differences/family background/Province system
Arranged marriages/weddings/divorce
Other issues
Evolution of culture outside of Afghanistan
Effects of outside societies (lecture)
Food/nutritional values/health impacts
Traditional Afghan games/sports
Course Outline (Continued…)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
Use of natural sources
Music and entertainment
National holidays, traditional events
Traditional attire, clothing
Role of education on our culture
Lack of education
Psychosocial barriers to education
Family planning/contraception
Artefacts/historical monuments
Tourist attraction (Seminar)
Industry ( ) factories
Industrial revolution (Lecture)
Traditional dance lessons
Evaluation Criteria
Each student’s final grade will be determined by the following (weighting for each in brackets):
7. Performance in the Personal Research/Presentation Project (60%);
8. Performance on the Mid-Term Examination (20%); and
9. Performance on the Final Examination (20%).
Details of the Personal Research and Presentation project will be provided in class. At that time, the criteria on which each project will be evaluated will also be presented.
There will be a mid-term examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught in class from the beginning of the course until [insert date]. Each student’s mark on the mid-term examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
There will be a final examination on [insert date]. The examination will cover material taught from [insert date] until the end of the course. Each student’s mark on the final examination will comprise 20% of the student’s final mark for the class.
Other Comments
Part IV – Course Description
Pashto
Name of Course: ___________________________________
Level of Course (Please check one): o Basic o Intermediate o Advanced
Name of Instructor: _________________________________
1. Course Objectives
(Please list the objectives for the course.)
2. Materials Required and/or Suggested for the Course
(Please list any materials students require for the course, and/or materials you recommend to students for the course. Also, please list materials you intend on providing to students and the source of such materials.)
3. Method of Instruction
(Please indicate the method of instruction you will use for the course.)
o Lecture o Seminar
o Self-directed Learning o Distance learning
4. Course Outline
(Please provide an outline of the topics you will teach and a timetable for the course.)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
| Continued… |
4. Course Outline (Continued…)
(Please provide an outline of the topics you will teach and a timetable for the course.)
| Date |
| Description of Topics |
| Duration |
| If you require more space, please attach a sheet. |
5. Evaluation Criteria
(Please indicate what criteria you will use to evaluate student performance in the class, and the respective weighting of each criteria.)
6. Other Comments
