Photo from D. Margolis, used with permission
Bridging Cultures: Muslim Journeys has been a two year effort at MSU and in our community, funded by two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 2013, Muslim Journeys Book-shelf brought a collection of 25 books and 3 DVDs on Muslim experiences and cultures to the MSU Libraries, the East Lansing Public Library, and Capital Area District Libraries. The three libraries hosted three films presented by MSU faculty; the MSU Anthropology Department lent its support for the screening of a French feature film at the East Lansing Public Library in November 2013.
In early 2014, the MSU Libraries hosted a 5 session book discussion series on Islam and Islamic culture (Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys). Each session began with a lecture by associate professor Mohammad Khalil (MSU Religious Studies/Muslim Studies), and was followed by small group discussions led by MSU graduate students in a variety of disciplines, including Anthropology’s Meryem Zaman. The book discussion series was well attended by undergradu- ates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and community members of many backgrounds. Deborah Margolis, MSU Librarian for Anthropology, Jewish Studies, Muslim Studies and Middle East, thanks the Anthro- pology faculty and graduate students for its involvement, and looks forward to future collaborative efforts involving campus and community.
[Included in the Spring 2014 Dept. of Anthropology Newsletter, see complete newsletter here]