Fall 2018
Spring 2019
Spring 2014
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic World
Thursday, April 10 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Humanities Center, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
CANCELLED! The Verse and the World: The Qur'an in Conversation with Modernity
Tuesday, April 15 • 5:00 pm • Humanities Center
Speaker: Dr. Mian Muhammad Mauman Faizi
Fall 2013
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic World
Wednesday, November 6 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Humanities Center, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
Language as Power: Literary Interpretations of the Qur'an in Early Islam
Wednesday, November 20 • 4:10 pm • Humanities Center
Speaker: Dr. Tehseen Thaver, Religion Studies Department
Young Muslims and Hip-Hop: Perspectives from East Asia
Tuesday, December 3 • 4:10 pm • Humanities Center
Speaker: Dr. Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir, Visiting Professor at City University of New York
Spring 2013
Noam Chomsky at Lehigh University
"Prospects for Peace in the Middle East"
Tuesday, February 5 • 7:00 pm • Packard Auditorium
Long a sharp critic of both Israeli policy towards the Palestinian people and U. S. foreign policy in the Middle East and elsewhere, Professor Chomsky will draw on his extensive knowledge of the region to discuss the prospects for, and obstacles to, peace.
Q & A session with interested members of the Lehigh community
Tuesday, February 5 • 1:10 to 3 pm • Neville Auditorium #1
Noam Chomsky's visit is co-sponsored by Visiting Lectures Committee, Humanities Center, Office of the Chaplain, South Side Initiative, Departments of Political Science, English, History, Journalism & Communication and Center for Global Islamic Studies.
"Malcolm X: A Journey to Islam"
Saturday, February 23 • 11 am • STEPS 101
A documentary viewing and open discussion led by Professor Khurram Hussain, Department of Religion Studies
Sponsored by the Lehigh Muslim Student Association in celebration of Black History Month.
"Tilings" - Art Exhibition by Associate Professor Anna Chupa, AAD
Thursday, February 28 • 4:30 PM Art Talk/Reception following • Humanities Center
Exhibition runs through March 25
Support for this project was provided by a Faculty Development Grant from the Global Islamic Studies Program and the Department of Art, Architecture and Design.
Timothy Schwarz, violin - Two Views, One Region
Sunday, March 3 • 3 PM • Baker Hall • Tickets $10 General Admission
The program features works by Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom and Israeli composer Avner Dorman, as well as traditional folk music from the region.
Music Department
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic World
Thursday, March 7 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Office of Student Affairs, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
"Comparative Legal Reform: Jewish and Islamic Reactions to the Modern World"
Thursday, March 21 • 4:10 PM • Maginnes Hall, Room 480
David Zvi Kalman, Graduate Student, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, University of Pennsylvania
Co-sponsors: Department of Religion Studies, the Berman Center for Jewish Studies and the Center for Global Islamic Studies
For more information, click here...
"Culture, Politics and Resistance in Pakistan"
Monday, April 22 • 4:10 PM • Maginnes Hall, Room 480
Saadia Toor, Associate Professor of Sociology, College of Staten Island City University of New York
Co-sponsors: Global Studies, Humanities Center, Departments of Modern Languages & Literature, Political Science, Religion Studies and Sociology & Anthropology
For more information, click here...
Fall 2012
"333"Documentary Film Screening
"333" is a documentary film about life in the Islamic African nation of Mali, and the positive impact of its Ancient Manuscripts.
Question and Answer session with the producer, Michael Covitt to follow.
Tuesday, October 16 • 7:00 pm • Whitaker Lab, Room 303 • Reception to follow in Whitaker Lobby
Sponsored by the President's Office, Lehigh University
Co-sponsors: Center for Global Islamic Studies, The Center for Dialogue, Ethics and Spirituality,
Global Studies, The Humanities Center, Religion Studies Department and Department of Sociology and Anthropology
"The Jewel at the Center of the World"
Exploring the unique confluence of Arabic, Christian and Jewish cultures in 9th through 15th century Andalusia.
Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 • 8:00 pm • Baker Hall • LU Choral Arts
"The Jewel at the Center of the World" Wednesday Lecture Series (Free and Open to Public)
Lourdes Alvarez on Andalusian Culture
Wednesday, October 17 • 7:00 pm • Whitaker Lab
Kareem Roustom on Arabic Music Today
Wednesday, October 24 • 4:00 pm • Baker Hall • Zoellner Arts Center
Christine Kalleeny on Arabic Poetry
Wednesday, October 24 • 7:00 pm • Whitaker Lab
Heather Coffey on Influences of Arabic Architecture in Spain (cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy)
Wednesday, October 31 • 7:00 pm • Whitaker Lab
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic World
Wednesday, November 28 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Office of Student Affairs, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
Spring 2013
"Two Views, One Region"
Timothy Schwarz, violin with Philadelphia Orchestra members Riccardo Morales, David Cramer and Udi Bar-David.
Exploring the Arab and Israeli influence on contemporary music, featuring works by Kareem Roustom and Avner Dorman.
Sunday, March 3 • 3:00 PM • Baker Hall

Spring 2012
Cluster Development Lecture Series
This Lecture Series is made possible through the generous support of a Lehigh University Cluster Development Grant.
Dr. Sean Yom - Temple University, Political Science
The Resilience of Royalty: Are Middle East Monarchies Immune to Revolution?
Wednesday, February 8 • 4:15 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 480
Co-Sponsor: Department of Political Science
Dr. Jamal Elias - University of Pennsylvania, Religion
"I Long for Endless Sugar": Beauty and Virtue in Islam
Tuesday, February 21 • 4:15 pm • UC 303ABC
Co-Sponsor: Department of Religion Studies
Dr. Zain Abdullah - Temple University, Religious Studies/Africana Studies
Living Islam Out Loud: African Muslims in Contemporary America
Wednesday, April 4 • 4:15 pm • UC 308A
Co-Sponsors: Africana Studies Program and Department of Religion Studies
Amir Moosavi - Graduate Student NYU, Arabic Language and Literature
Writing the War Story: Literature and Contending Narratives of the Iran-Iraq War
Thursday, April 12 • 4:15 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 480
Co-Sponsor: Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Dr. Ahmet Karamustafa - Washington University, St. Louis, History
Musicians of the Soul: Mawlana Rumi and the Mawlavi Sufi Path
Tuesday, April 17 • 7:00 pm • Sinclair Auditorium
Co-Sponsor: Department of History
Dr. Omid Safi - UNC-Chapel Hill, Religious Studies
Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters
Wednesday, April 18 • 7:00 pm • Sinclair Auditorium
Co-Sponsor: Department of Religion Studies
Lehigh Faculty Talks
Tim Schwarz (Music) "The Influence of Arab Music in Contemporary Composition"
Tuesday, March 13 • 4:15 pm • Zoellner Arts Center, Room 145
Taïeb Berrada (MLL) "Displaced Borders, Confined Narratives: The Issue of the Harragas in North African Francophone Literature and Film"
Monday, April 9 • 4:15 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 101
Co-Sponsored Events
Ilaysa Shabazz, Keynote Address for Martin Luther King, Jr. Week at Lehigh
Thursday, January 19 • 4:30 pm • Packard Lab 101
This ceremony highlights individuals and organizations in the Lehigh community who have done some great work for the fight of social justice. Faculty, staff and students will be recognized and receive awards. In addition, winners of the high school oratorical contest and Ilaysa Shabazz, daughter of Malcom X, will deliver the keynote address. Convocation sponsored by various University departments & offices and local businesses inlcuding: Air Products, English, History, Political Science, Weinstock Center for Journalism, Globalization and Social Change Programs in American Studies and Global Citizenship, the Chaplain's Office/Dialogue Center, Women's Center, Sociology & Anthropology, and the Center for Global Islamic Studies.
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic world
Thursday, March 22 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Office of Student Affairs, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
F. Gregory Gause, III - University of Vermont, Political Science
"Why Middle East Studies Missed the Arab Spring"
Tuesday, April 17 • 4:10 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 113
International Relations Department and Center for Global Islamic Studies
Fall 2011
2011 Kenner Lecture
Dr. Khaled M. Abou El Fadl (UCLA) "Is Shari'ah the Solution?: The Promises and Problematics of Divine Law Today"
Tuesday, September 13 • 7:30 pm • Baker Auditorium, Zoellner Arts Center
"The New Political Landscape of Egypt: Beyond the Arab Spring"
Live Video-Conference from Cairo featuring former Lehigh visiting Fulbright Scholar, Amal Hamada
Friday, October 14 • Noon • Maginnes Hall, Room 112
Co-sponsors: The Global Union, The Office of International Affairs, Lehigh Fulbright Association, Department of International Relations, Department of Modern Languages and Literature, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
Professor Saladin Ambar (Political Science) "Malcolm X at Oxford Union: Islam, Race, and Identity in a Global Era"
Tuesday, October 25 • 4:15 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 102
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic world
Thursday, November 10 • Humanities Center • 4:15 PM
Department of Modern Languages and Literature, Office of Student Affairs, and Center for Global Islamic Studies
Professor Alex Wiseman (Education) "The Impact of ICT-Integrated National Education Systems On 'Durable Inequalities' in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries"
Thursday, November 17 • 4:15 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 102
Professor Rob Rozehnal (Director of CGIS/Religion Studies) "Virtual Sufis: The Internet and American Muslim Identity"; a presentation for the Humanities Center's "Spynnynge" forum
Monday, November 28 • 4:15 pm • Humanities Center
Visiting Assistant Professor Khurram Hussain (Religion Studies) "Apostasy and Agency: The Dilemmas of Modern Islam"
Thursday, December 1 • 4:10 pm • Maginnes Hall, Room 111
Archive of Events
Spring 2011
Professor Vera Stegman: "Turkish-German Cultural Exchanges: Fazil Say, Emine Sevgi Özdamar, Orhan Pamuk"
Thursday, February 3 • Maginnes Hall, Room 112 • 4:15 PM
"Egypt at the Crossroads" Lehigh University Faculty Members Panel Discussion
Monday, February 14 • Maginnes Hall, Room 105 • 5:30 PM
Professor Amardeep Singh: "Time, Modernity, Secularization: Ahmed Ali and the Progressive Writers' Movement"
Wednesday, February 16 • Maginnes Hall, Room 112 • 4:15 PM
Professor Christine Kalleeny: "From the Palm of a Woman Dressed as a Man?: Figuring Poetic Excess"
Thursday, February 17 • Humanities Center • 4:15 PM
Gamelan Concert by the performing group, Gamelan Mekar Sari, Indonesian Gamelan performance and lecture
Thursday, February 24 • Zoellner Arts Center, Room 145 • 4:15 PM
Professor Tariq al-Jamil (Swarthmore College): "Safeguarding Devotion: The Significance of Secrecy and Religious Dissimulation in Imami Shi'ism"
Monday, March 21 • Linderman Library, Scheler Family Humanities Forum, Room 200 • 4:15 PM
Dr. Roger Allen (Univ. of Pennsylvania), MLL lecture: "Arabic Fiction in Morocco: The Problems of its Literary History"
Monday, March 28 • Linderman Library, Scheler Family Humanities Forum, Room 200 • 4:15 PM
Professor Jean-Pierre Filiu (Visiting Professor, Columbia University): "Apolcalypse in Islam"
Thursday, March 31 • Maginnes Hall, Room 110 • 4:15 PM
Chai Hour - Students' presentations on various topics relating to the Arab and Islamic world (Co-Sponsored with MLL)
Thursday, April 14 • Humanities Center • 4:15 PM
Professor Yasir Ibrahim: "The Objectives of Islamic Law and Modern Religious Reform"
Tuesday, April 19 • Maginnes Hall, Room 102 • 4:15 PM
Fall 2010
Nandini Deo: "KABUL: Foreign Aid, Development and Insecurity"
Monday, October 4 • 4:15 PM • Linderman Library, Room 200
Gamelan Mekar Sari: "Music of Indonesia: Hindu Roots in a Muslim Country"
(Co-Sponsored with the Music Department)
Tuesday, October 5 • 4:15 PM • Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center
*This event was canceled due to illness and will be rescheduled in spring 2011
Pedram Partovi: "Constituting Love in the Iranian Commercial Cinema"
Tuesday, October 19 • 4:15 PM • Maginnes 111
Aladdin Yaqub: "al-Ghazali on Divine Will"
Thursday, October 21 • 4:15 PM • Maginnes 260
Bruce Whitehouse [along with students, Sofia Covarrubias and Sarah Steinberg]:
"Bamako Wedding Crashers: Reflections of Marriage, Polygamy and Modern Life in an African City"
Tuesday, October 26 • 4:15 PM • Maginnes 102
Khurram Hussain: "The Meaning and End of Time: Comparing the 'Historical' Thought of Sayyid Ahmad Khan and Reinhold Niebuhr"
Monday, November 8 • 4:15 PM • Linderman Library, Room 200
Faculty Round-table Discussion
• Taieb Berrada (MLL)
• Kate Crassons (English)
• Rob Rozehnal (Religion Studies)
• Ziad Munson (Sociology)
Monday, November 15 • 4:15 PM • Linderman Library, Room 200
Edurne Portela - "Violent Tolerance: Najat El Hachmi and the Myth of Coexistence in Spain"
Thursday, November 18 • 4:15 PM • Humanities Center
Jawid Mojaddedi (Rutgers University): "Rumi and 'Excessive' Love in Islamic Mysticism"
(Part of the Humanities Center's 'Excess' lecture series)
Thursday, December 2 • 4:10 PM • Packer Memorial Church
Spring 2010
Professor Nagihan Haliloglu (Visiting Professor from Turkey): "An Alternative History of Women's Emancipation from the Middle East."April 20, 2010
A documentary screening and discussion of the film, "New Muslim Cool"--with Puerto Rican-American rapper, Hamza Perez, and the film's director, Jennifer Maytorena Taylor. April 5, 2010
Professor Benjamin Soares, African Studies Centre in Leiden, the Netherlands: "Islam, Islamism and Post-Islamism in Africa". December 1, 2009
Professor David Lelyveld, William Paterson University: "Sir Sayyid's Dreams: Biography and Islamic Dream Interpretation in Nineteenth Century India". October 28, 2009