Powerpoint presentation: Introduction. January 22, 2008.

Questions, points for discussion

• What is a mental map? How is the study of cartographic and mental maps useful in understanding the political motivations, biases, prejudices of their mapmakers?
• How is the Middle East represented in the contemporary media these days? Can you think of particularly striking examples?
• How does one name a region? Why is Rhode Island called Rhode Island? How do the issues of identity and a consciousness of history play roles in naming a place or a region?

Oriental Institute, Breasted and the tympanum.

Maps of Mesopotamia

Maps of Iraq and the Middle East at Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas at Austin.