Conference on Islam to be presented by The University of Texas at Austin

March 19, 2002

AUSTIN, Texas—Media coverage of Islam and gender issues in Muslim societies are only two of the topics to be covered in "Presenting and Re-Presenting Islam: Teaching and Studying About Islam in the United States."

The conference, scheduled for March 21-22, will take place at the Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin.

In response to the increased interest in Islam following the Sept. 11 tragedy, The University of Texas at Austin is providing an opportunity for discussion of contemporary issues related to Islam.

"The purpose of the conference," said Kathryn Hansen, director of the Center for Asian Studies, "is to highlight the diversity of Muslim societies and intellectual traditions. This conference will challenge us with new perspectives on the different roles played by Islam and Muslims in the world today. We hope to increase awareness, especially among educators, the media and people in public life."

To provide a deeper understanding of Islam and Muslims around the world, the conference will address a number of issues of interest to teachers, students and the public, including challenges to teaching about Islam in the public schools, representations of gender, issues of pluralism and diversity, political issues related to Islam and the long-term implications of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The conference features guest speakers as well as members of the departments of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, Asian Studies, History, Anthropology, Sociology, and Radio/Television/Film. It is sponsored by the university's Center for Asian Studies, Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. To receive more information, contact Christopher Rose at (512) 471-3881.