Variations of a social studies unit on Middle Eastern culture, history, and geography are presented to aid secondary school classroom teachers as they develop and implement Middle Eastern area studies educational programs. The guide is presented in four parts, each of which represents one version of the unit. Teachers are directed to select the unit which is the most appropriate for use in their classrooms according to whether they have three, six, nine, or 18 weeks available. Each unit is organized into four major categories--geography; politics, history, and economics; religion; and life style. Information includes copies of outline maps, suggestions about appropriate books and filmstrips, discussion questions, background information, definitions, and case studies. Supplementary topics are suggested for each unit, according to the time allocated. Activities involve students in investigating stereotypes, map and globe work, reading and writing exercises, library research, analyzing filmstrips, and discussing controversial issues in the classroom. A bibliography concludes the document. (DB)