| Tunisian Studies |
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For more than ten years, a special host country cultural program has been developed year after year as an important cross-curricular integrated component in ACST's programs of studies.
ACST has a unique location in the heart of modern Tunisia, just next to famous millenary archaeological sites and colorful Islamic Medinas. Only a few hours drive from Northern cork forest mountains and rocky or sandy beaches, and Southern Berber villages and Sahara desert, students are offered plenty of opportunities to develop greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Tunisian culture, values, and historical traditions, through flexible, academically challenging, and emotionally fulfilling sets of developmental activities and programs.
ACST’s mission states “the Tunisian Studies Program gives a unique character and grounding to the overall educational experience at ACST, as it aims to:
- Provide a systematic framework through which structured educational goals can take place outside the classroom or school
- Ensure curricular integration of Tunisian Studies themes whenever possible in all the disciplines and grade levels through an ongoing coordination
- Foster more effective world language communicators
- Expose students who may be insulated within their own national group or peer group, to safe,relevant, age-appropriate experiences within the host country context or perspective
- Integrate the study of Tunisian themes (holidays, religious celebrations, foods, cultural life,needs) with other multicultural and American themes in co-curricular or non-academic activities
- Contribute to the development of learners who are involved, sensitive, open-minded, tolerant,respectful, and aware of the interconnected world we live in
- Include Community Service component whenever possible
- Provide a solid base for future learning and peaceful coexistence by creating enduring links to the country and people of Tunisia”
Tunisian Studies in Middle School
Since 2005, a middle school Tunisian Studies course was started to highlight the students’ awareness and appreciation of the host country’s culture and language. It is focused on the study of key factors related to the history, geography, ecology, customs and traditions of Tunisia through research around the region to be visited. In addition, the students are initiated to survival Tunisian Arabic through interactive dialogues.
The following is the program for each grade:
- 6th Grade: Cap Bon Kelibia, Kerkouane, El Haouaria, with a special emphasis on Punic Tunisia, and wind energy.
- 7th Grade: Zaghouan, Sousse, Kairouan, with a special emphasis on Aghlabid Tunisia and the environment (marine life, saving the marine turtle).
- 8th Grade: The South East, with a special emphasis on Berber Tunisia and the environment (desertification, water issues).
