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The Culture and Mythology of the Middle East in Pokémon

There are many fan theories about Pokémon possibly being inspired by the culture, animals, and mythology of the Middle East. In this flex course, we'll examine the merits (and drawbacks) of these theories.
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(3,161)
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Mastery Evaluation
Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.
Grading
included

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 12
This course explores more than 20 Pokémon and their possible connections to the mythology and culture of the Middle East. We will examine popular fan theories about the origins of these Pokémon, and weigh the merits (or lack thereof) in these ideas. Students will learn about cultural traditions, animals from the Middle East, and several myths and legends that could have been the basis for many popular Pokémon. 

While the focus of this class is the Middle East, it is through the narrow lens of the Pokémon world, and thus is nowhere near comprehensive review of the entirety of Middle Eastern culture, folklore, or mythology. Students are encouraged to explore more of this region on their own, outside of the course material.

This is a self-paced course; there is no live component. Instead, students study several Pokémon each lesson, using videos, descriptions, comparisons, and extension activities to expand their learning beyond the basic course content. All extension activities are optional and at the discretion of the parent. 

Please note that three of my Pokémon Social Studies courses are formatted differently than the others. These courses are the ones covering China, India, and the Middle East. These three courses DO NOT have one long video lecture; instead, the Pokémon are explored individually via written passages. This way, learners can explore as many or as few topics at a time as they wish. Please keep in mind the different format before enrolling.

Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Mythology, Part 1
 Pokémon covered in this lesson: Golem, the Legendary Titans ("Regi" Pokemon), Hoopa 
Lesson 2:
Mythology, Part 2
 Pokémon covered in this lesson: Thundurus, Landorus, Tornadus, Enamorus, Moltres 
Lesson 3:
Animals of the Middle East
 Pokémon covered in this lesson: Numel, Camerupt, Fennekin, Furfrou, Morpeko, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Silicobra 
Lesson 4:
Other Topics
 Pokémon covered in this lesson: Binacle, Barbaracle, Dahara City, Unown, Cofagrigus, Espathra, Lucario, Krokorok, Umbreon 

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Week 1: - Golem: Magical and Mystical Traditions on the Artificial Anthropoid, Moshe Idel, 2010 - Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar by Robert Lebling and Tahir Shah - Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Andrea Schulte-Peevers, 2008 - United Arab Emirates, Barbara Somervill, 2019 - https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/arab_emirates.htm Week 2: - The Power of a Tale: Stories from the Israel Folktale Archives, Haya Bar-Itzhak, 2029 - The Encyclopaedia of Middle Eastern Mythology and Religion, Jan Knappert, 1993 - The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1,001 Nights (Penguin Classics), 2010 Week 3: - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/bactrian-camel - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/article/wild-hamsters - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/king-cobra - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/uncovering-secrets-of-the-sphinx-5053442/ - https://www.worldhistory.org/sphinx/ - https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/eurasia/iberian-lynx/ - https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/afghan-hound/ - https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/fennec-fox - https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/fennec-fox - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/fennec-fox - Snakes of Arabia, Damien Egan, 2008 - https://a-z-animals.com/animals/false-cobra/ Week 4: - Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History, Steven Snape, 2022 - Egyptian Mythology: Enchanting Tales of the Ancient World, Isaiah Covington, 2021 - A Guide to Egyptian History, Gods, and Mythology, Peter Collins, 2022 - Cleopatra, Tammy Gagne, 2018 - https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/ancient-egypt/ - https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/history/ancient-egypt/ancient-egyptian-writing/
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3161reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
I have taught mythology class on Outschool since 2017. I was a certified middle school teacher in science, English, and social studies from 2005 to 2021. I now specialize in educational outreach at the University of Arizona, including giving planetarium shows that feature the mythology and astronomy of cultures throughout the world.

Reviews

Self-Paced Course
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$2

weekly or $8 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 11 learners
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Ages: 7-18

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