In collaboration with the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) and with support from the U.S. Department of State, CIC is offering a three-week-long seminar for faculty members at CIC colleges and universities on “Teaching About Islam and Middle Eastern Culture.” This seminar, which will take place January 3-24, 2004 at the American Center of Oriental Research in Amman, Jordan, will provide the opportunity for 12 faculty members in various fields to learn more about the Middle East. Seminar participants will also visit archaeological sites such as Petra and Jerash. While in Jordan, they will live at the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR).
     “Over the past few years, we all have gained renewed awareness of the importance of teaching about cultures in other parts of the world, but have sometimes found ourselves without the relevant expertise on campus,” said CIC President Richard Ekman in announcing the seminar. “We are therefore delighted to be able to offer this seminar. It is not intended for Middle East specialists, but rather for full-time faculty members in other fields who are developing courses or adapting existing courses—or wish to do so—in order to give more attention to the Middle East and/or Islam,” Ekman noted.
     The seminar will be directed by Pierre Bikai, director of ACOR, and will include specialists on the Middle East, Jordan, Islam, and other relevant topics. ACOR is dedicated to promoting research and publication in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, history, languages, biblical studies, Arabic, Islamic studies, and other aspects of Middle Eastern studies. Founded in 1968, ACOR provides advice, coordination, research facilities, and living and meeting space for scholars, and serves as a liaison between both academic and private Jordanian institutions and international scholars interested in working in the Arab world.
     Twelve CIC faculty members were selected from 135 nominations from all fields, and from institutions associated with many religious denominations
(or none; see box). Participation expenses—including travel to and from the U.S.—will be covered by the U.S. Department of State.
     “The tremendous response received from CIC CAOs who nominated amazingly talented faculty members indicates that this seminar does, indeed, fill a need for information about the Middle East and Islam. CIC hopes to work with CAORC and the State Department to offer additional such opportunities in the near future,” Ekman said.

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Last updated: December 2003
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