Expressions of Diversity:
A Contemporary Introduction to Muslim Cultures

• Session Descriptions
• Teaching Faculty
• About the Organisers
• Registration and Fees

Offered by AKU-ISMC and the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures (CCSMSC) at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, the Summer Programme is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive and interactive contemporary introduction to Muslim cultures. The underlying principle of the Programme is that education about cultures is a necessary precursor to the enhancement of intercultural dialogue.

To this end, Programme participants will engage with wide-ranging topics such as arts and architecture, civil society, ethics, law, literature, mysticism and Qur’anic studies. By addressing various elements of the history, cultures and contemporary challenges of Muslim societies, participants will:

• Understand the chronological framework of the history of Muslims;
• Grapple with the contested nature of concepts, practices and interpretations;
• Learn about tensions between traditions and dissent in Muslim contexts;
• Become familiar with diverse artistic and literary expressions;
• Reflect upon contemporary debates about the role of religion, including the rise of extremism;
• Consider the future prospects of and challenges within Muslim societies.

Teaching and Learning

The Summer Programme will draw upon the wealth of knowledge brought by both participants and faculty in order to create a rich, multicultural experience. Classroom discussions will be supplemented by a series of co-curricular activities including film screenings, walking tours and museum visits. Furthermore, the location of the programme will provide participants the opportunity to experience London’s vibrant atmosphere.

Duration

The Summer Programme will take place over 2 weeks; from Monday, 20 July to Friday, 31 July 2009.

Courses will be held from 9:00pm to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with some evening sessions organised for cultural events. Download the programme schedule.

Who should attend?

Students, professionals (including teachers, journalists, lawyers, doctors, etc) and anyone else with an interest in exploring the diversity of Muslim cultures would especially benefit from participating in the Programme. This course will especially benefit those who work in multicultural settings.

Admission will be on a first come, first served basis. The University reserves the right to conduct brief telephone interviews with applicants.

Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance jointly by Aga Khan University and Simon Fraser University.

Pre-requisites/Readings

No prior formal studies in this subject matter are required. However, participants are expected to complete pre-course readings.

Programme Venue

The Summer Programme will be held at AKU-ISMC's new premises at 210 Euston Road, London, United Kingdom, NW1 2DA.

The Institute's premises are situated in the heart of London, accessible by many forms of transport and near to a number of educational facilities, including the British Museum, British Library and University of London.

Comments from Previous Participants

In summer 2008, a similar programme was offered in Vancouver at Simon Fraser University. A thorough evaluation was undertaken and the findings have informed the design of this year’s course.

• Comments from students who took part in the Expressions of Diversity Summer Programme held in 2008
• Information about the Expressions of Diversity Summer Programme held in 2008