Summer Program (2010) at Simon Fraser University
http://www.sfu.ca/ccsmsc/summer2010/

General Overview

This Summer Programme offers an opportunity to explore the rich historical
and contemporary diversities within Muslim societies and cultures.
The Programme is a joint production of the Centre for the Comparative Study

of Muslim Societies and Cultures (Simon Fraser University) and the Institute
for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (Aga Khan University).  It is designed
for the non-specialist by the specialist as a comprehensive and unbiased
introduction to the various facets of the heritage and contemporary
experiences of Muslim peoples.

Instructional modules are taught by internationally renowned academics and
cover topics such as orientalism, scripture, exemplary biography,
identities, encounters with modernity, and an array of civilisational
conduits such as law, literature, and art.  The second week of sessions is
focused on issues of gender in diverse Muslim societies.  To compliment the
classroom sessions, the Programme will feature a range of cultural
activities such as film screenings and art exhibits.

At a time when there is a heightened demand for information about Muslims
and their heritage, this Summer Programme provides an ideal opportunity to
explore relevant subjects through the rigorous and unbiased approach of
major academics from a variety of disciplines.

This Summer Programme offers an opportunity to explore the rich historical
and contemporary diversities within Muslim societies and cultures.

The Programme is a joint production of the Centre for the Comparative Study
of Muslim Societies and Cultures (Simon Fraser University) and the Institute
for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (Aga Khan University).  It is designed
for the non-specialist as a comprehensive and unbiased introduction to the
various facets of the heritage and contemporary experiences of Muslim
peoples.

Instructional modules are taught by internationally renowned academics and
cover topics such as orientalism, scripture, exemplary biography,
identities, encounters with modernity, and an array of civilisational
conduits such as law, literature, and art.  The second week of sessions is
focused on issues of gender in diverse Muslim societies.  To compliment the
classroom sessions, the Programme will feature a range of cultural
activities such as film screenings and art exhibits.

At a time when there is a heightened demand for information about Muslims
and their heritage, this Summer Programme provides an ideal opportunity to
explore relevant subjects through the rigorous and unbiased approach of
major academics from a variety of disciplines.

* Develop a critical-historical understanding of Muslim societies and
cultures.
* Appreciate the contested nature of concepts, interpretations, and
practices.
* Understand the formative context of Muslim civilization and its
influences.
* Explore plural expressions of the history and religion of Muslims.
* Deliberate the range of interpretations concerning scripture and prophecy.
* Reflect on questions of authority and interpretation in religion, society,
and gender.
* Appreciate the panoply of artistic and literary expressions of Muslims.
* Obtain timely skills related to contemporary debates concerning identity.
* Consider complexity and diversity in issues of diaspora.
* Ponder the contemporary challenges and future prospects of Muslims.
* Comprehend the diverse aspects of gender in Muslim contexts.
Duration & Programme

Expressions of Diversity is an annual programme held for two weeks every
summer since 2008. The location of this programme alternates yearly between
the campuses of the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and
Cultures (Simon Fraser University) and the Institute for the Study of Muslim
Civilisations (Aga Khan University).

The 2010 Summer Programme will be hosted by the Centre for the Comparative
Study of Muslim Societies at Simon Fraser University at its downtown
Vancouver campus, located at the foot of the majestic coastal mountains of
British Columbia, only minutes from Georgia Strait.
Who Should Attend?

Teachers, journalists, lawyers, businesspersons, doctors, politicians,
students, and those who work in multicultural settings or have an interest
in exploring the full range of Muslim cultures.

Applications for this year¹s Summer Programme will be accepted until April
30, 2010. Applications received after this point will be added to the
waitlist. Scholarship applications will be accepted until March 30, 2010.
Certificate of Completion

Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion jointly by the
CCSMSC and ISMC.

Please feel free to browse our website to learn more about the Expressions
of Diversity organizers, faculty and our past programmes, as well as view
the photos and comments of participants. To learn more about this year¹s
Summer Programme and how to apply, please see our 2010 Programme section
<http://www.sfu.ca/ccsmsc/summer2010/?page_id=8> .