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- RESEARCH
- VIDEOS, DVDS
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- ARTS
- CIVIL/HUMAN RIGHTS
- EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES/CURRICULUM
- MEDIA
- FACULTY READERS' FORUM
- PHILOSOPHY
BOOKS, PRINT
500 Most Influential Muslims in the World 2009
created by the Royal IslamicStrategic Studies Centre
The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center
for Muslim-Christian Understanding
Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
Georgetown University
cmcu.georgetown.edu
http://www.rissc.jo/muslim500v-1L.pdf
*Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations
Author: Michael Anthony Sells
This was our Faculty Reader's Forum selection for facilitated discussion on September 14, 2006. Despite the rapid growth of Islam in this country, its precepts and scripture remain inaccessible to many readers. It is difficult, too, that many of its believers assert that the Qur'an cannot be translated. This groundbreaking work by Haverford College professor Sells goes a very long way to bridging the gap that separates the non-Islamic reader from the Qur'an; he translates and extensively annotates a careful selection of the earliest "suras" (revelations), setting them in their cultural context. Further chapters discuss sound and gender in the meaning of the Qur'an, and the book includes an hour-long CD of extraordinary field recordings of male and female Qur'anic reciters. Highly recommended. (The Library Journal, 1999, Reed Business Information, Inc.).
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam
Author: John Emerick
Using the "Idiot's Guide's" formula of questions and answers, sidebars, and small, easy-to-digest essays, Emerick makes Islam accessible to anyone.
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes
Author: Amin Maalouf
Amin Maalouf has combed the works of Arab chroniclers of the Crusades, many of them eyewitnesses and participants in the events they describe. The Crusades Through Arab Eyes is a vivid portrait of a society nearly destroyed by internal conflict and shaken by a traumatic encounter with an alien culture. Maalouf offers fascinating insights into the historical forces that even today shape Arab and Islamic consciousness.
*Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World
Author: Carl M. Ernst
Faculty Readers' Forum choice for April 26, 2007. Ernst, a professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is not a stranger to Islam-related controversy. His recommendation of Michael Sells's book Approaching the Qur'an to the UNC Summer Reading Program for incoming freshmen spurred an international firestorm. Following Muhammad itself was rejected by the publisher that had commissioned the manuscript, as some editors there objected to publishing a book that could be construed as supporting terrorism. Despite these obstacles, Ernst brought the book to another press with rewarding results: it is a pleasure to read. Ernst has a multilayered and self-assured understanding of Islam, and his writing exemplifies a fluency in explaining it that is unique to him, even compared to better-known scholars of the religion. Delicate and complex points about Islam as a religion and culture, about Sufism, and even about Osama bin Ladin, flow off the page effortlessly, with only a few spots that are too abstract. Rather than addressing the standard introductory information about Islam, like the Five Pillars, he has organized his book by themes, with chapters on topics such as ethics and spirituality. The book's greatest strength is Ernst's unrelenting but well-reasoned critique of how the West has consistently marginalized Islam and Muslims from the first encounters onward. Ernst is fair, however -- while he admonishes the West for indulging in negative and inaccurate stereotypes of Islam and Muslims, he calls upon Muslims to participate fully in the pluralistic society the world has become. (as reviewed by Publishers Weekly)
*Hate Your Policies, Love Your Institutions
Author: John Waterbury
The first session of the CERIS Faculty Readers' Forum centered on this article from Foreign Affairs, January/February 2003. Online discussion took place January 6–20, 2006, and was facilitated by Kurt Werthmuller of
In the Shade of the Tree: A Photographic Odyssey Through the Muslim World
Author: Peter Sanders
A breathtaking look at the Muslim world through the lenses of an internationally acclaimed photographer.
Islam: A Bibliography
Compiled by Patrick S. O'Donnell of Santa Barbara City College (2003)
Click here for an extensive online list of relevant materials (in English) grouped into the following categories:
- General
- Muhammad
- The Qur'an
- Shi'i Islam
- Sufism
- Theology and philosophy
- Jurisprudence
- The Arts
- History
- Geographic regions and nation-states
- Culture, Economics, and Politics
- Miscellany
Muslims in America: Seven Centuries of History (1312-2000)
Author: Amir Muhammad
An Eye-opening survey of Muslim American history dating back before Columbus.
Muslims (Slave) Uprising of 1835: Slave Rebellion in Brazil
A remarkable event in history that provided the impetus for the eventual ending of slavery in the Americas. Inspired by Islamic teachings, African Muslim slaves faced intimidation, spoke out about their lives and lead an uprising that changed the world.
NAFSA Poster Session Reading Resources on Middle East and North Africa
Click here for a PDF list of books and articles on the Middle East and North Africa from a poster session at the NAFSA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in May, 2002.
New York Times, Books of the Times: "People of the Book," January 6, 2008
The following are accessible to the general public:
Tariq Ramadan - Essay: Reading the Koran
Irsahd Manji - Soldiers of Allah
Jefferey Goldberg - Seeds of Hate
Fouad Ajami - Essay: The Clash
William Dalrymple - Eat Your Heart Out, Homer
Access to these pieces is available via free NYTimes membership registration:
Lorraine Adams - The Face of War
Shibley Telhami - Cartoon Villains
Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Blind Faiths
Rashid Khalidi - Red, White, Blue and Green
Max Rodenbeck - The Early Days
Eric Ormsby - The Lost Garden
Jason Goodwin - The Pragmatic Caliphs
Tom Reiss -
Freedom at Gunpoint
Sarah Wildman -
Caught in the Ayatollah's Web
Robert F. Worth - Essay: Arabic Lessons
Muslim scholar Zaid Shakir comments on the above articles at www.newislamicdirections.com/nid/articles/review_of_islam_in_nyt_book_review/
*No God but God: Egypt and the Triumph of Islam
Author: Geneive Abdo (Oxford University Press, 2000)
The second reading for CERIS's Faculty Readers' Forum.
*Orientalism
Author: Edward Wadie Said
CERIS Faculty Readers' Forum choice for February 8, 2007.
The author (1935-2003) was a well-known Palestinian-American literary theorist and outspoken Palestinian activist. He was professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, and regarded as a founding figure in post-colonial theory. In this work he examines the way in which the West observes the Arabs. Said's evaluation and critique of the set of beliefs known as Orientalism forms an important background for postcolonial studies and current understandings. His work describes the constallation of false assumptions that forms the foundation of Orientalist thinking, and advocates the use of focused narrative and self-representation to understand smaller, culturally consistent regions. His supporters and critics alike acknowledge the profound, transformative influence this book has had across the spectrum of the humanities. First published in 1978, the book is now available in paperback.
*The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain
Author: Maria Rosa Menocal (Little, Brown and Company, 2002)
The third reading for CERIS's Faculty Readers' Forum.
Saudi Aramco World Magazine
Saudi Aramco, the oil company born as an international enterprise 75 years ago, distributes Saudi Aramco World to increase cross-cultural understanding. The bimonthly magazine's goal is to broaden knowledge of the cultures, history and geography of the Arab and Muslim worlds and their connections with the West. Exhibits, workshops, and conferences are listed on their Web site.
Science in Medieval Islam
Author: Howard R. Turner
This book offers a fully illustrated, highly accessible introduction to an important aspect of Islam's Golden Age - the scientific achievements of medieval Islam.
*Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas
Author: Sylviane A. Diouf
CERIS Faculty Readers' Forum choice for November 1, 2007.
A book retracing the influential footsteps of African Muslims in America. It asserts that Islam was clearly the first revealed religion followed by African slaves in the Americas. It describes their struggles in upholding practice of Islam, trying to return to Africa, preserving literacy through understanding the Quran, and resisting missionary pressures. It summarizes the enduring legacy of Islamic culture in African-American names, songs, rituals and religious ceremony.
Teaching About Islam and Muslims in the Public School Classroom
Now in its third edition, this popular publication helps American educators presented with the task of accurately and fairly teaching about Islam and Muslims in primary and secondary schools.
What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam
Author: John Esposito
Esposito presents in question-and-answer format the information about Islam that people most want to know.
NAFSA Poster Session Reading Resources on Middle East / North Africa
Click here for a PDF list of reading resources from a Middle East / North Africa Poster Session at the NAFSA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in May, 2002.
LANGUAGE STUDY
Arabic Language Classes at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh frequently include Introductory and Beginning Arabic classes at their facility in Oakland. Participation requires the submission of a registration form (www.icp-pgh.org/Arabic/Arabic_Class.doc) and payment ($50/$25 for ICP members) to 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA 15213. For more information please contact icp@icp-pgh.org.
Arabic PodClass offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the Arabic language with free online lessons at http://thearabicpodclass.blogspot.com/.
Concordia Language Camp, associated with Concordia College, is offering Arabic language instruction for students in summer 2006 in Vergan, Minnesota. Named Al-Wa, or "the oasis," the Arabic Language Village will offer two separate two-week sessions for villagers aged 8-18. The Arabic Language Village is an immersion-based experiential program that welcomes all young people interested in exploring the richness and diversity of Arabic language and culture. Modern Standard Arabic will serve as the foundation for curriculum planning in the development of the language instruction program, offering exposure to the features of various dialects (i.e: Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf, North African) to the greatest extent possible within the context of daily communication within the Village. Go to http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/Languages/arabic1.php for more information.
Pitt Weekly Arabic Language Conversation Table is set up every Sunday afternoon, 2-4 p.m., in 4130 Wesley W. Posvar Hall. Native speakers of Arabic (as well as Hindi and Chinese, each at their own table) will be there to help. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to practice your language skills! This activity is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh's Asian Students'
Qasid Institute in Amman Jordan is a leading center in the Middle East for Arabic language learning. It offers a comprehensive curriculum on Classic Arabic for the modern age, taught over five distinct levels, taking a student from the proper pronunciation of letters to the level of mastery; graduating students who have applied themselves will find understanding an all-Arabic university course to be within reach, and translating general texts to be manageable. Students from age 15-65 can apply. Go to www.qasid.com for more information, contact them by e-mail at info@qasid.com, or phone them at [+962-6] 515-4364.
Study Arabic in Damascus, Syria
Damascus is a popular place to learn Modern Standard Arabic and the colloquial Syrian dialect. The city offers study that caters to all levels, including beginning. Some of the courses are offered by the University of Damascus's Center for Teaching Arabic to Foreigners, the Ma`had in Mezze, and the French Institute (IFEAD). Other popular options are to study with one of the many private teachers available, or to engage in conversational exchanges with Syrians who want to practice their English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish. Some foreigners in Damascus also improve their MSA through teaching exchanges. For more information go to www.ou.edu/ssa/learn.htm.
Turkish Language Classes
The
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Arabic Meet-up on Sunday Afternoons in Wexford
This group, dedicated to teaching and learning conversational Arabic, has met almost weekly since 2003 in a lively, friendly setting to study and practice the Arabic language. New members are very welcome to come to Wexford on Sunday afternoons, 2-4 p.m., for written Arabic as well as Lebanese conversation. Join the group by signing up at http://arabic.meetup.com/64. Questions can be sent to roulafarah@aol.com.
Islamic Center of Pittsburgh
Presents the message of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims and promotes unity, brotherhood and understanding among all. Go to www.icp-pgh.org for more information.
Global Pittsburgh
Serving as a portal to the many international faces and facets of Pittsburgh, this website highlights and provides information pertinent to various cultural groups that reside in the region. Go to www.globalpittsburgh.org for more information.
Muslim Student Association at Carnegie Mellon University
Provides links and information about Islamic events in Pittsburgh, as well as local Islamic and Muslim resources including masjids, schools, markets, etc. Go to www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/msa/ for more information.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS, PROFESSIONALS
Aramco Services Company Educators to Saudi Arabia for K-12 teachers
Sponsored by Aramco Services Company, this fully-funded, ten-day study tour of Saudi Arabia is a professional development opportunity open to full-time social studies teachers and library media specialists in grades 1-12. The Educators to Saudi Arabia Program aims to cultivate a greater awareness and understanding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in U.S. primary and secondary schools and communities. The Program will examine Saudi education, culture, history and global relations through site visits, panel discussions, and cultural activities in the cities of Dhahran, Riyadh, and Jeddah. For more information visit www.iie.org/aramco or contact them at atsap@iie.org.
Blog: Islamic Law in Our Times
Haider Ala Hamoudi, assistant professor of law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, has launched the blog "Islamic Law In Our Times: A Realistic Assessment of Islamic Law in Today’s World" at http://muslimlawprof.org.
CERIS Curriculum Development Grants Program
This small grant program for faculty is designed to enable educators from CERIS member institutions to pursue curricular development and enhancement projects related to Islamic Studies. Applications are accepted year-round, and awards are made twice yearly (fall and spring). Read more.
Conference Alert: Islamic Studies Conferences Worldwide
This Web host compiles a list of upcoming conferences all over the globe pertaining to Islam, including such focus areas as banking, finance, entrepreneurship, multiculturalism and pluralism, philosophy, globalization, Malaysia, Japan, change and stability, politics, comparitive worldviews, the Gulen movement, technology, and the performing arts. To view the always diverse and constantly updated listing, go to www.conferencealerts.com/islam.htm.
Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic studies for American Professionals
American professionals in academic, government, and business are eligible for a one- to two-week study visit in an Arab country. The Malone Program provides an exceptionally powerful educational experience that includes introductions to host-country government officials, businessmen, academics, and scholars. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, and are responsible for their own domestic transportation to and from Washington D.C. and in some cases international travel. Some study visits may include additional fees. For further information on the Malone Fellowship Program go to www.ncusar.org/malone, or send inquiries indicating your professional qualifications to Ms. Jennifer Sewell-Zeytin, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 503, Washington DC 20036.
Middle East Partnership Initiative: Student Leaders Program
The Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA/PI) announces an open competition for applications (RFA) to serve as a host institution to support a rigorous program of continuous learning to advance reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa by preparing a cadre of future leaders. As a result of this program, Student Leaders will be equipped to facilitate civic engagement and reform in their own communities and across the region. The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders program is implemented by up to five host institutions that annually receive a multinational group of exemplary undergraduate students from the Middle East and North Africa (a total of 110 to 120 students divided among the host institutions). The principal objective of this Student Leaders Program is to develop the participants' leadership and collective problem-solving skills through a six week academic residency and field study program. NEA/PI seeks to partner with uniquely designed, highly interactive, and thematically coherent programs that emphasize the concepts of individual and civic responsibility, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement. Successful applicants under this RFA will host their MEPI Student Leaders Programs during the summer of 2008. Programs should be designed to give participants the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the development of leadership and civic engagement skills that they can apply directly, effectively, and immediately upon their return home. Upon students' return home, they will be encouraged to participate in embassy/consulate outreach programs, speak with prospective students at U.S. advising centers, develop and implement civic-minded projects, and comment on their experience in the course of their campus leadership activities. NEA/PI will support the logistical and administrative management of the program, and various follow-on activities under a separate award (not included in this RFA). Support will include participant recruitment, ALL international travel, health insurance, and Washington DC-based activities. In addition, approximately six months after the conclusion of their U.S.-based summer program, Student Leader alumni will gather at an alumni conference in the Middle East or North Africa as part of a MEPI program to share feedback on their experiences and to participate in additional leadership training. Five awards of $150,000-400,000 will be made to accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning or non-profit organizations that have demonstrated capacity and experience to offer undergraduate level programming to non-degree students in leadership, political science, history, democracy studies, or public policy, and to support an international program. Information on student leader selection and requirements may be found by going to www.mepi.state.gov, click on Current Opportunities, and click on Student Leaders Program-Supplementary Information link. More information can be found by typing in the Funding Opportunity Number NEAPI-08-AW-008-MENA-110907 at www.grants.gov/search/basic.do. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact Jessica Baker at
202-776-8500 or NEA-Grants mailbox.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
American Institute of Indian Studies: Fellowships for PhDs and senior scholars
Founded to assist scholars in their study of all aspects of Indian history, culture and contemporary life, the Institute brings about 40 scholars to India every year. These are both American citizens as well as non-American citizens resident in the United States. Of the latter group, many are Indian graduate students studying for PhD degrees at American universities. Many of them return to India, where they assume faculty positions at Indian institutions. In turn, many Indian scholars are invited by member institutions of the American Institute of Indian Studies to lecture or participate in conferences. The Institute then facilitates their travel arrangements and can use its network of scholars across the United States to organize programs of lectures. For more information about this corsortium and its programs go to www.indiastudies.org/fellow.htm.
American Research Institute in Turkey: Fellowships for scholarly research and language study in Turkey
The American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT) is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to promoting American and Turkish research and exchange related to Turkey in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. ARIT provides support for these scholarly endeavors through maintaining research centers in Istanbul and Ankara, and by administering a variety of fellowship programs for scholarly research and for language study in Turkey. Programs for U.S.–based scholars and graduate students include the ARIT, Kress, Erim, NEH, and the ARIT-Princeton Summer Language Program at Bogazici University in Istanbul. ARIT Fellows come from all regions of the country and represent many fields of the humanities and social sciences. The fellowships support individual research projects in ancient, historical, and modern times in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. For more information, go to http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/ARIT.
Blog: Islamic Law in Our Times
Haider Ala Hamoudi, assistant professor of law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, has launched the blog, "Islamic Law In Our Times: A Realistic Assessment of Islamic Law in Today’s World," at http://muslimlawprof.org.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Junior Fellows Program
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation among nations and promoting active international engagement by the
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) offers internship opportunities to to empower young Americans with the skills they need to make a difference. CAIR interns work with some of America's political and intellectual leaders on groundbreaking projects which will lay the foundation for a fairer and more inclusive America. Go to www.cair.com for more information about CAIR or the internship program, or contact the CAIR internship department by phone at 202-488-8787 or by e-mail at internship@cair-net.org.
Freeman-ASIA Awards for study in East and Southeast Asia
The primary goal of Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) is to increase the number of U.S. undergraduates who study in East and Southeast Asia, by providing them with the information and financial assistance they will need. Award recipients are expected to share their experiences with their home campuses to encourage study abroad in East and Southeast Asia by others, and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples and cultures within their home communities. For more information go to www.iie.org/programs/freeman%2Dasia, or contact Karen Chu at kchu@iie.org or 212-984-5542.
Fulbright
Students who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at U.S. colleges or universities are eligible to apply for funding to conduct research in combination with study abroad through Fulbright’s country specific program, regional programs (Near East, North Africa and South Asia; European Countries; Africa and Sub-Saharan; East Asia/Pacific Area; Western Hemisphere), or the Islamic Civilization Initiative. The Islamic Civilization Initiative is designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of Islam and Islamic history and culture broadly defined. Grants will be awarded to competitive proposals for research and study in any country where there is an American students program and a significant Muslim population. Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. Candidates at all degree levers will be considered. Language study as a supplement to research is encouraged. Students must apply through the Fulbright Program Advisers (FPA) on their campuses. Consult with your campus FPA about research topics, application competitiveness, and deadlines. For more information about Fulbright programs go to www.fulbrightonline.org/us/thinking_type.html.
National Security Education Program's David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships for students
Created in 1991, NSEP awards undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to American students for study of world regions critical to
Nationality Rooms scholarship program offers several scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students for summer study abroad programs. Some awards are area specific (ex. Syria/Lebanon), while others are open for study in any country. For more information go to www.ucis.pitt.edu/natrooms/index.html.
U.S. Department of State and Council of American Overseas Research Centers: Critical Language Scholarships for Intensive Summer Institutes for students
Scholarships for intensive overseas study in Arabic, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, Turkish, and Urdu are offered. Funding for U.S. citizen undergraduate, master, and PhD students to participate in beginning, intermediate, and advance level summer language programs at American Overseas Research Centers. Recipients of these scholarships are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their professional careers. Application deadlines vary by program. For more information about critical language scholarships, go to www.caorc.org/language/index.html.
U.S. Department of State: Paid student internship programs
Internships are available to all students with at least junior status (at the time of appointment) who are American citizens and able to obtain a government security clearance. This is a paid (not for credit) internship program. Postings are available in the Washington DC area as well as U.S. embassies and government offices worldwide. Foreign language competency is desirable but not required to participate, and all majors can apply. For more information contact Vanessa Sterling, Academic Internship Coordinator, at 412-624-5428 or sterling@as.pitt.edu.
William Jefferson Clinton Scholarships for U.S. students to study in United Arab Emirates
The William Jefferson Clinton Scholars at the American University in Dubai [AUD] seeks to further the goals of the Clinton Presidential Foundation to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. In partnership with the American University in Dubai, the program will provide U.S. undergraduate students the opportunity to expand their educational and cultural horizons by studying in the Arab world. Provision is made for up to ten scholarships for each fall, spring, and summer semester. To download a catalog and application for the W.J. Clinton Scholarship, go to www.aud.edu/Admissions/clinton.asp.
RESEARCH
American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT) offers fellowships for Scholarly Research and Language Study in Turkey. It is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to promoting American and Turkish research and exchange related to Turkey in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. ARIT provides support for these scholarly endeavors through maintaining research centers in Istanbul and Ankara, and by administering a variety of fellowship programs for scholarly research and for language study in Turkey. Programs for U.S.–based scholars and graduate students include the ARIT, Kress, Erim, NEH, and the ARIT-Princeton Summer Language Program at Bogazici University in Istanbul. ARIT Fellows come from all regions of the country and represent many fields of the humanities and social sciences. The fellowships support individual research projects in ancient, historical, and modern times in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. For more information, go to http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/ARIT.
Research and Presentation Tips
Great tips on research and presentation (useful for participants in CERIS's Undergraduate Research Symposium) at Pitt's Undergraduate Research Opportunities page. Go to www.pitt.edu/~urop/links.htm for more information.
VIDEOS, DVDS
An Oral History of Islam in Pittsburgh -- Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4CG-U1-NwE&feature=PlayList&p=78456F21DD79257F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13
An Oral History of Islam in Pittsburgh -- Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WBfhsupMKc&feature=PlayList&p=78456F21DD79257F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=14
Islam: Empire of Faith
Running Time: 160 min
Content: A survey of 1000 years of Islamic history starting at the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Includes Muslim contributions in art and science.
Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet
Running Time: 120 min
Content: A innovative biography of prophet Muhammad told by 21st Century American Muslims who live his example.
Inside Islam (presented by the History Channel)
Running Time: 100 min
Content: This balanced, objective introduction to the great faith traces its roots back to Abraham and explains the main tenets of Islam, the Five Pillars that all Muslims must adhere to. What the Qur'an has to say about war, violence and suicide is explained by leading Muslim scholars.
Islam: A Closer Look
Running Time: 35 min
Content: Documentary featuring a basic, but thought provoking explanation of Islamic beliefs and practices.
Islam, Asia, and Modernity
Content: This is a six part DVD series of panel sessions from a three-day conference hosted by the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. The sessions explore the changing politics, practices, and representations of Islam in Asia; how these changes are studied, documented, taught, and represented in the academy and the media; and how these practices affect politics, society, and culture in Muslim Asia. This DVD series can be borrowed from the CERIS Secretariat.
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Introduction: Anand Yang, Azade-Ayse Rorlich, David Lelyveld, Norani Othman, Clark Lombardi, Kent Guy
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Gender, Sexuality, and the Body in Asian Muslim Societies: Maria Jaschok, Huma Haq, Marianne Kamp, Chandan Reddy, K. Siviramakrishna
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Islamic Arts and National Cultures: Elmira Köchümkulkizi, Endo Suanda, Francisco B. Benitez, Dan Waugh;
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The Crisis of Masculine Identities in Post Soviet and Post 9-11 Muslim Asia: Jakob Rigi, Nazif Shahrani, Ulil Abshar Abdalla, Carlo Bonura, Tani Barlow
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Education and Islamic Legal Subjects in Asia: Imtiaz Ahmed, Gardner Bovingdon, Kristen Stilt, Steve Hanson;
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Asian Islam and the Politics of Knowledge: Ali F. Igmen, Partha Chatterjee, Sumit Mandal, Cabeiri Robinson, Laurie Sears, Ziauddin Sardar, Anand Yang.
The Hajj (ABC Nightline)
Running Time: 23 min
Content: An ABC Nightline special report covering one American's journey to Mecca for his pilgrimage.
Islam in America After 9/11 (PBS documentary)
Running Time: 40 min
Content: A PBS documentary that offers a true depiction of the way the American Muslim community suffered and served along with the rest of their American neighbors after the tragic 9/11 events.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Glossary of Useful Terms
Click here
http://hajj.al-islam.com/
The website contains plenty of useful information about Hajj, places to go, rules of Hajj and Omrah, Flash presentations on Hajj step by step and much more. The following link from the above site contains Hajj step by step flash explanation (audio, video) http://hajj.al-islam.com/eng/data/steps/text.asp?a=1. Once you click on the above link, you will see a list of steps to be taken to the left, every step has an associated audio file, and video file that explains it very well. In addition, Soundvision website has also some useful links such as the Hajj guide that is available in English and Urdu as well. http://soundvision.com/Info/hajj/hajj00.asp.
Islam
www.islam.com
Islam City
www.islamicity.com
Islam On Line
www.islamonline.com
Islamic Calendar
www.islamicfinder.org/index.php?home=2004-6-9
Sword and Scimitar: Islam and the West, 500-1300
http://faculty.juniata.edu/tuten/swscim.html
Middle East Institute
MEI is a conduit of information between Middle Eastern nations and American policymakers, organizations and the public that strives to increase knowledge of the Middle East and to promote understanding between the peoples of the Middle East and America. They play a vital and unique role in expanding the dialogue beyond Washington, DC, and actively with organizations in the Middle East. Our Public Policy Center and Department of Programs present programs with top regional experts and officials from the US and foreign governments. The George Camp Keiser Library has the largest English-language collection on the Middle East outside of the Library of Congress. We publish quarterly one of the most prestigious journals on the Middle East, The Middle East Journal. MEI's Department of Language and Regional Studies offers courses in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish and seminars highlighting the history, literature and culture of the Middle East.
www.mideasti.org/index.html
Muslim Americans: A National Portrait
The first-ever fully random representative study of Muslim Americans, derived from more than 300,000 national household surveys conducted by Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, as a part of the Muslim West Facts. Muslim Americans: A National Portrait provides a snapshot of this diverse community revealing a uniquely American story of ethnic and political diversity, upward mobility, and entrepreneurship — representing a national reservoir of intellectual capital and creative energy, as well as a valuable brain trust for engaging the Muslim World.
www.MuslimWestFacts.com
Introduction to Islam
Download a complete copy of M. Cherif Bassiouni's Introduction to Islam.
www.mideasti.org/indepth/islam/preface.html
Voices and Visions: Islam and Muslims from a Global Perspective is a project of Indiana University comprised of various initiatives and activities that are all dedicated to promoting understanding and dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. The project aims to:
• Increase intercultural understanding by providing access to the voices and visions of Islam and Muslims locally and around the world.
• Inform and promote dialogue as it tackles the complexities of Islam and the often complicated relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
• Replace misinformation, mistrust, and oversimplifications with awareness, consideration, dialogue, and a diversity of voices.
• Promote accessible scholarship, forthright communication, balanced viewpoints, and the value of the many voices and visions of Islam.
Everyone is invited to participate in this local and global conversation that informs, challenges, and openly considers the contemporary role of Islam and Muslims in communities around the world.
http://muslimvoices.org/
Discover Islamic Art
At the invitation of the Museum With No Frontiers, 14 countries from around the Mediterranean and the European Union have agreed to collaborate on producing a virtual museum on the Internet that explores Islamic art and material culture in the Mediterranean region. Drawing on the participation of 42 museums, this Web site has images of 1,235 paintings, art objects and manuscripts that you can download, print, or paste for free.
www.DiscoverIslamicArt.org
Image Instruction: Islamic Art and Architecture
Digital Images at Cornell University
http://imageinstruct.library.cornell.edu/?p=13
Blog: Islamic Law in Our Times
Haider Ala Hamoudi, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law has launched a new blog: “Islamic Law In Our Times: A Realistic Assessment of Islamic Law in Today’s World.”
http://muslimlawprof.org
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
CAIR's mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. This site provides information to media professionals, government officials and the academic community around America to help shape a positive image of Islam.
www.cair.com/home.aspx
Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights
Karamah is a charitable, educational organization which focuses upon the domestic and global issues of human rights for Muslims. KARAMAH stands committed to research, education, and advocacy work in matters pertaining to Muslim women and human rights in Islam, as well as civil rights and other related rights under the Constitution of the United States.
www.karamah.org/
National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
Founded in 1983, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab world.
www.ncusar.org
The Sunni-Shia Divide and the Future of Islam
A recent broadcast by the American Public Media seeking fresh insight into the history and the human and religious dynamics of Islam's Sunni-Shia divide. Our guest says that it is not so different from dynamics in periods of Western Christian history. But he says that by bringing the majority Shia to power in Iraq, the U.S. has changed the religions dynamics of the Middle East. Available for download at this link:
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2008/future_of_islam/.
America at a Crossroads was a major public television event premiering on PBS in April 2007 that explored the challenges confronting the post-9/11 world — including the war on terrorism, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the experience of American troops serving abroad, the struggle for balance within the Muslim world, and global perspectives on America’s role overseas. For the eleven documentary episodes the Web site offers previews, interview clips, bios, and authors' writings, video diaries, a timeline, and valuable discussion guides and resource links related to content.
www.pbs.org/weta/crossroads/about
Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/08-09/arabesque/
February 23-March 15, 2009
Unwrap the cultural treasures of the Arab world in this Kennedy Center international festival showcasing the varied cultures of the 22 Arab nations that represent the Arabic-speaking world. From the Arabian Gulf to the Levant to North Africa-this region of the world is the birthplace of human civilization and features extraordinary diversity in geography, traditions, landscape, religion, and contemporary aesthetics. In cooperation with the League of Arab States, the three-week festival brings together artists, many of whom are making their U.S. debut, in performances of music, dance, and theater, as well as exhibitions featuring art installations, fashion, a soundscape, cuisine, a marketplace, and much more. Discover the evolution of art forms born from the cradle of human civilization. Experience an amazing breadth of culture that spans both eons and continents.
A series of interviews with artists from the Arab world available at
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module.html?mod=0&pkg=23022009&seg=4
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/blog/arabesque/
Beyond Islam: Understanding the Muslim World (Pakistan, Europe, and China)
The World Affairs Council Global Classroom was awarded a grant in 2004 by the United States Institute of Peace to develop this program for K-12 educators. It includes a series of professional development trainings for teachers, a youth summit, and the development of three new curriculum units. The curriculum materials are available to download for free from the Web, or you can request a CD of the materials by emailing wac@world-affairs.org.
www.world-affairs.org/globalclassroom/curriculum/BeyondIslam/default.htm
This workshop series is designed to help high school educators incorporate age-appropriate and culturally sensitive content into existing school curricula. While its historic stature as a world leader is well known, today's Egypt remains the most influential Islamic Arab nation in the world. Rather than attempt a broad-brush summary of Egypt's past, the workshops provide essential background information for just a few relevant topics. The result is content and instruction modules making dynamic connections between past and present, useful in classrooms of art, world cultures, sociology, history, current events, and world religions. Lesson plans are available for the workshops below.
Workshop 1 - Egypt: Influences and Intrigue (June 17, 2008)
Workshop 2 - Egypt: Changes and Choices (October 13, 2008)
Workshop 3 - Egypt: Perceptions and Politics (February 7, 2009)
Read more.
Council on Islamic Education
Provides a number of services, resources and research-based tools to K-12 school textbook publishers, state education officials and policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers. Specifically, they assist education professionals in covering world history and related subject matter in a balanced, comprehensive and sensitive manner.
www.cie.org
Iraq: Resources for the Classroom
Marta Colburn, Mercy Corps' Director of Education, attended the 2002 Youth Summit on "Understanding Iraq: U.S. and Global Perspectives" as a panelist and shared her NGO perspective concerning the current global conflict with Iraq. This three page handout directed to educators lists books, videos, curriculum, and documents for grades 6-12 Social Studies classes. Recommended for grades 6-12. Click here for a handout and click here for service learning project ideas.
www.world-affairs.org/globalclassroom/curriculum/BeyondIslam/default.htm#iraq
Islam: A Bibliography
Compiled by Patrick S. O'Donnell of Santa Barbara City College (2003)
Go to www.parstimes.com/Islam_Bibliography.htm to explore this extensive online list of relevant materials (in English) grouped into the following areas:
General
Muhammad
The Qur'an
Shi'i Islam
Sufism
Theology and philosophy
Jurisprudence
The Arts
History
Geographic regions and nation-states
Culture, Economics, and Politics
Miscellany
Islam and Islamic Study Resources
The University of Georgia offers information for studying Islam and the diverse perspectives of Muslims: Qur'an, hadith, the Sunnah, Shi'ism and Heterodox Movements Sufism, Islam in the modern world, militant Islam, jihad, Islamist or extremist Muslims, and terrorism, Islam in Iraq, Muslim women, Islamic art, architecture, music, as well as Islamic history, theology, philosophy, and Arabic and other Islamic languages such as Persian, and religion in general.
www.uga.edu/islam/
Islam Project
A multimedia effort aimed at schools, communities, and individuals who want a clearer understanding of this institution: complex, diverse, historically and spiritually rich, and--to many--mysterious and even forbidding. The project comprises two PBS documentaries, a vibrant community engagement campaign, and an ambitious educational effort.
www.theislamproject.com
Lectures Available Online
Several CERIS sponsored lectures that have been given at the University of Pittsburgh with topics relating to Islamic Studies are now available online, thanks to the University Center for International Studies' Portable International Lecture System (PILS). Go to www.ucis.pitt.edu/pils/ondemand.html to download the following lectures:
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The Hysterical Road from 9-11 to Fallujah by Rami Khouri, Executive Editor of the Daily Star in Beirut (October 4, 2004)
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The U.S., the Muslim World, and Global Terrorism by Dr. John Esposito, Founding Director of Georgetown's Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (September 13, 2004)
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Islam in Europe: Interacting Perspectives by Dr. David Nirenberg, Charlotte Bloomberg Professor in the Humanities, Johns Hopkins University (March 21, 2003)
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Explaining America to the World: The Disconnect Between US and Arabic Perceptions of Security Issues by Dr. William Rugh, President and CEO of AMIDEAST and former US Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen and the United Arab Emirates (October 23, 2002)
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The Bubble of American Supremacy: The War in Iraq and the 2004 Election by Dr. John Esposito, founding Director of Georgetown’s Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (September 5, 2004)
Life and Legacy of Malcolm X
www.brothermalcolm.net
Media Construction of the Middle East - Curriculum Kit
Project Look Sharp provides materials, training and support to help teachers prepare students for life in today's media saturated world. It promotes the effective integration of media literacy and critical thinking into classroom curricula at all educational levels and instructional areas. It also evaluates the effectiveness of school-based media literacy education. It has just released the third in a series of nationally distributed curriculum kits: “Media Construction of the Middle East.” The kit can be accessed via its Web site (below) where a CD/DVD version can also be requested at no charge. The kit includes all materials needed to actively engage students in developing a deep and critical understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the U.S. War in Iraq, and the rise of militant Islamic movements. In addition to learning core content, students are trained to critically analyze and decode media messages in a variety of forms including Web pages, film clips, TV news, magazines, newspapers, and school textbooks.
www.projectlooksharp.org
Middle East Studies Association
MESA is a non-political association that fosters the study of the Middle East, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom.
http://w3fp.arizona.edu/mesassoc
Producing Jihad: The Al Qaeda Recruitment Tape
Osama bin Laden's network has employed a variety of methods to disseminate his ideology. A notable recruitment method has been the use of videotapes that have been produced by bin Laden's supporters with the intention of enlisting young Arab men to travel to Afghanistan and train for a holy war in defense of Islam. This seminar examines one of those tapes in depth and evaluates its significance as a tool of propaganda.
Adapted from Columbia International Affairs Online, this seminar focuses exclusively on the tape itself, showing scenes and concentrating on the construction of the arguments made on the tape, the reasons they were chosen, and their impact on the tape's intended audience. Made at least six months before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the tape featured in this seminar does not target non-Arab, non-Muslim viewers, nor is it part of any propaganda war between bin Laden and Western interests. For the purpose of this seminar, the tape has been separated into three reels: (1) "The Situation of Muslims Worldwide"; (2) "The Causes", and (3) "The Solution". The reels are again divided into individual segments. This seminar does not attempt to address larger geopolitical issues or dismantle the arguments and propaganda in the tape.
Richard W. Bulliet, professor of history, provides an introduction to the tape, the summary text for each segment, and a concluding analysis, while Columbia professor Fawaz A. Gerges and Georgetown professor John O. Voll analyze the themes, arguments, and structure presented in the tape. Their insights provide a window into the objectives and techniques of a modern terrorist network.
http://www.fathom.com/course/21701721/index.html
Who Speaks for Islam? Teaching Guide
This book is the product of the Gallup World Poll's massive, multiyear research study. As part of this groundbreaking project, Gallup conducted tens of thousands of interviews with residents of more than 35 nations that are predominantly Muslim or have significant Muslim populations. Gallup posed questions that are on the minds of millions: Is Islam to blame for terrorism? Why is there so much anti-Americanism in the Muslim world? Who are the extremists? Where are the moderates? What do Muslim women really want? Grounded in Gallup World Poll data, not in contentious rhetoric, Who Speaks for Islam? brings data-driven evidence -- the voices of a billion Muslims, not those of individual "experts" or "extremists" -- to one of the most heated and consequential debates of our time.
http://www.muslimwestfacts.com/mwf/110419/Who-Speaks-Islam-Teaching-Guide.aspx
Al Sahafa
Online news for and by Arab Americans.
http://www.al-sahafa.us/
Bridges TV
This 24/7 English language television network seeks to build dialog between 300 million Americans and 1 billion Middle Eastern and South Asian people. The network accomplishes this by entertaining and educating America and the World like never before.
http://www.bridgestv.com/.
Mosaic
A good source of up to date information in the Middle East, the Peabody Award winning daily compilation of television news reports from throughout the Middle East including, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, the Palestinian Authority, and Iran, among others. See what 280 million people across the Middle East watch and find a unique insight into the diversity of perspectives in the region.
www.worldlinktv.org
Saudi Aramco World Magazine
Saudi Aramco, the oil company born as an international enterprise 75 years ago, distributes Saudi Aramco World to increase cross-cultural understanding. The bimonthly magazine's goal is to broaden knowledge of the cultures, history and geography of the Arab and Muslim worlds and their connections with the West. Their Web site lists exhibits, workshops, and conferences.
www.saudiaramcoworld.com
FACUTLY READERS' FORUM (CERIS)
Nicenet.org
This internet conferencing service allows cross-disciplinary faculty associated with CERIS member institutions to participate in academic dialogue several times a year on specified readings. Find out more about the CERIS Faculty Readers' Forum and to learn how to obtain access to the site, and click here to go directly to Nicenet.org.
Islamic Philosophy Online
This Islamic Philosophy resource on the Web is dedicated to the study of the philosophical output of the Muslim World. This site contains hundreds of full length books and articles on Islamic philosophy ranging from the classical texts in the cannon of Islamic philosophy to modern works of Muslim philosophy. For more info, go to www.muslimphilosophy.com.
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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 11/23/09 .