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About CERIS
The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS) is a collaboration of academic, non-profit, and religious organizations in the tri-state area (
Institutions can become CERIS members with an annual membership fee of $250.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS) is a collaboration of academic, non-profit, and religious organizations in the tri-state area (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) dedicated to the sharing of resources related to Islamic Studies. CERIS aims to foster understanding about Islamic Studies, which encompasses many languages, literatures, and disciplines, and extends from the seventh century to the present and across broad geographical areas of the world. One-fifth of the global population is Muslim, many living in the tri-state area. The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies seeks to build the future through dialogue today. The Consortium maintains an online, searchable database of educational resources, such as events, courses, and expertise, related to Islamic Studies.
CERIS Officers, Institutions, and Representatives
CERIS Member Institutions and Representatives
HISTORY
It became starkly apparent in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 that there existed in southwestern Pennsylvania both a demand for and a lack of academic programs and educational resources aimed at understanding Islam and the Islamic world. An examination of the region's institutions of higher learning demonstrated that by combining and sharing resources, a high quality program could be created.
The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh invited schools in southwest Pennsylvania to pool their resources to create a critical mass of expertise on Islamic Studies. The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies grew out of this collaborative effort. Initiatives include the development of a database of resource information about courses offered, special events and lectures, and institutions throughout the region with interests related to Islamic Studies. This database will be expanded to encompass areas of expertise held by consortia faculty and staff as well as individuals at local and national organizations, academic programs (i.e., degrees, majors, minors); and resources, including books, films, and articles, relevant to Islamic Studies. The Consortium's database, which will archive past information, produces an online events calendar of current and future events, and serves as a useful tool for anyone seeking information about local educational resources on Islamic Studies.
A long term goal is to develop a certificate program in Islamic Studies where students from participating schools could complete coursework at various institutions within the Consortium. The certificate would combine language acquisition, area studies expertise, and area and global studies research and methodological competencies, somewhat similar to the model established by the existing Area Studies and Global Studies certificate programs offered by the University Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Consortium is committed to focusing attention on Islamic Studies rather than Islam or Middle East Studies. Islamic Studies extends from the seventh century to the present and across broad geographical areas of the world. It encompasses many languages, literatures, and disciplines, including law, economics, music, and architecture.
Members of the Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies are committed to capitalizing on the existing strengths and capabilities at their institutions, rather than duplicating competencies. Such an approach will benefit the region's students, faculty, schools, and the communities they serve.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since the formation of CERIS, representatives of member institutions have met on a regular basis and have adopted operational procedures to facilitate the smooth functioning and growth of this unique consortium. For a full version of CERIS accomplishments for 2010-11, please click here.
CERIS has ...
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Grown to 30 member institutions
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Hosted Fulbright Scholars from
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Initiated educational programming and provided resources to Upward Bound, Elderhostel, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Ethnic Heritage Studies Program, Frick Art Museum, Carnegie Library System, Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Gallery, and intermediate units throughout the region
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Sponsored over 60 guest speakers at CERIS member institutions
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Received grants from Pittsburgh Foundation for Islamic calligraphy exhibit and NAFSA for Global Generation Y
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Collaborated on proposal development for CIES, FYPSE and Rockefeller Foundation, and Fulbright Hays
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Disseminated countless announcements about funding, study abroad, and programmingopportunities available to students, staff and faculty
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Developed a library assessment to encourage resource sharing among CERIS member institutions
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Launched Web site offering news, resources, and opportunities to all visitors
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Established CERIS Member Readers' Forum to encourage informed discussion among faculty members at CERIS member institutions
- Created the CERIS Undergraduate Research Symposium
PUBLICATIONS
CERIS Brochure for faculty and institutions
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Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS)
4100 Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-2113;
Fax: 412-624-4672
E-mail: ceris@pobox.com
Web site: www.cerisnet.org
This page was last updated 6/7/11 .