Sunday, December 07, 2008

End-of-semester reminders

Best wishes to everyone for a successful exam week and a good conclusion to the semester.

Some reminders:

1. The Department may be closed any day after 4 pm, especially during exam week. If you are coming to turn in a paper, make sure to arrive before 4 pm or verify arrangements with your instructor.

2. Save a copy of your papers, take-home finals, etc. on an easily accessible USB drive or the hard drive of a computer that you will have access to after you leave town. In case of a snafu, you will want to be able to easily re-send or re-print your paper.

3. Papers and exams will be available to pick up in the Department office after the beginning of the semester in January. Some of your instructors may have the exams/papers ready for pick-up at the beginning of the week of the 15th.
Please come by the office at some point in the next semester to pick up your work. Papers not picked up will be discarded after two semesters.

4. I recommend saving your graded papers until after you have graduated and been admitted to graduate/professional school. When you ask faculty for letters of recommendation for graduate school or for other applications (study abroad programs, internships, scholarships, etc.) many will ask you to send them a resume, a statement of purpose and copies of the work you did for them. If you have their graded, marked-up copies of your papers, you will make the process easier for all.

Good luck with writing and exam-taking. I wish everyone a good winter break and a happy new year. And if you celebrate a religious or cultural festival at this time of year, the very best of wishes for that holiday as well.

Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Scholarship

Pitt Alumni Association Graduate Scholarship - $5,000
and
Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Minno Student Resource Award - $1,000.

Awards will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition account for Fall ‘09. Each is a one-time, merit-based award, open to both continuing students and those just entering graduate study in any of the University’s schools or colleges. Additionally, in order to be eligible to receive this scholarship, the student must have received his/her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

For an application contact Laraine Hlatky as listed below. Completed application and supporting material must be returned to the Alumni Center, Suite 140, Alumni Hall, no later than February 13 2009. Questions regarding either award should be directed to Laraine Hlatky at Laraine.Hlatky@ia.pitt.edu or 412-624-5589.

December 10 Lecture: "Abraham Circumcises Himself"

"Abraham Circumcises Himself:
A Scene at the Endgame of Jewish Utility to Christian Art"

Wednesday, December 10th
3:00 p.m.

University of Pittsburgh
Frick Fine Arts, room 125

Marcia Kupfer is currently on leave from Johns Hopkins University and
teaching in the Art History Department at Ohio State University.

This talk is co-sponsored by the Department of History of Art and
Architecture, the Jewish Studies Program, and the Center for Medieval and
Renaissance Studies.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

SPRING SCHEDULE CHANGE

RELGST 1740 "Meaning, Mystery, and Paradox" has been cancelled.
A second section of Philosophy of Religion has been added on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 (RELGST 0715/37723 = PHIL 0473/37724)

Monday, December 01, 2008

Congratulations to Professor Bakic-Hayden!

Professor Penkower writes:

Please join me in congratulating our colleague, Milica Bakic-Hayden, on
being elected as the incoming president of the North American Society of
Serbian Studies (NASSS), which works under the umbrella of the American
Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS). For the past
several years, Milica had been serving as vice-president of the NASSS.

December 13: Japanese Tea Ceremony

If you will be in Pittsburgh on Saturday, December 13th (for students, the last day of final exams at Pitt), we invite you to join us for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony lecture and demonstration, to be performed by Sen So-oku, tea master and successor to the head of Japan’s Mushakouji Senke school of tea ceremony (founded in 1667). Mr. Sen is one of the world’s top practitioners of tea ceremony, and we invite you to come and learn more about this art with us. Please feel free to email this announcement to anyone who may be interested in attending.

This event is open to the public, but please see the announcement below for details:

+++++

Please join us for a lecture and demonstration on the art of the traditional

Japanese Tea Ceremony


Saturday, December 13th, at 2:30 PM

University of Pittsburgh Book Center
4000 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The art of the Japanese tea ceremony was perfected by tea master Sen-no-Rikyû in the late 16th century, and after his death, the art of chadô was passed down through the generations. Sen So'oku, the oldest son of the current grand tea master of the Mushakouji Senke school is the fourteenth generation tea master of Sen-no-Riykû’s descendants. Join us to learn more about the history and art of tea ceremony from one of the world’s foremost experts!


To guarantee admission, please RSVP to Jennifer Murawski by email at jennm@pitt.edu or by phone to 412-383-3062. (Those who do not RSVP are welcome to attend, but guests who have registered may have a chance to participate in the ceremony.)


Sponsored by the Asian Studies Center, the University Center for International Studies, the Japan Iron and Steel Federation and Mitsubishi Endowments, the University of Pittsburgh Book Center, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, Japan America Society of Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburgh Japanese School.

++++++

Jennifer Murawski
Assisant Director of Educational Outreach, Asian Studies Center
4133 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(p) 412-383-3062
(f) 412-624-4665
(w) www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Pitt Study Abroad Programs in Asia

Pitt Summer Study Abroad Programs in Asia



PITT IN INDIA



The University of Pittsburgh is pleased to offer a seven week summer study abroad program which introduces students to the fascinating country of India. The first six weeks of the program will be held at the University of Hyderabad in the culturally rich city of Hyderabad. The remaining week will be spent travelling in a desingated region of India. The Location: The city of Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India with a history dating from the 14th century. From the 17th through the 19th centuries it was one of the most opulent cities in Asia. Today it is pluralistic, using four languages officially (Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, and English) and is a microcosm of Indian religious and ethnic diversity. The city has a moderate climate and is home to five major universities and several research and cultural institutes. Read More About Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad is a nationally funded university founded in 1974. It is a strong research and teaching university with a computerized library and an internationally connected faculty. It is situated on a 2000 acre campus roughly 15 miles outside of Hyderabad. Recently the University of Hyderabad was designated as one of the top five universities in India. Read More About the University of Hyderabad and SIP Program. The Academic Program: The program will be coordinated by Dr. Aparna Rayaprol, who earned her Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh and who is now faculty at the University of Hyderabad. The Pitt in India academic program spans 6 weeks on the University of Hyderabad’s campus (after which, students will spent a week touring North India). Students will take 2 or 3 of the following 4 courses (for a total of either 6 or 9 credits). 1. ANTHRO 1764: Contemporary India (3 credits) 2. ANTHRO 1787: Environmental Movements in India (3 credits) 3. RELST 1500: Religion in India (3 credits) 4. SOC 1414: Ethnography and the Indian Landscape (3 credits)

ANTHRO 1764: Contemporary India (3 credits) This core course is interdisciplinary and seeks to introduce India in its multi-faceted dimensions. The course is structured into two parts - Part A presents an overview of the diversity that exists in India; part B focuses on selected themes/issues that are of current interest/concern in the country today. The aim of this course is to provide a broad understanding of India and to expose the students to the prevailing debates on various issues confronting contemporary India.
ANTHRO 1787: Environmental Movements in India (3 credits) Description coming soon!
RELST 1500: Religion in India (3 credits) Description coming soon!
SOC 1414: Ethnography and the Indian Landscape (3 credits) This course focuses on developing skills in observing and interpreting the contemporary Indian landscape and providing an avenue to meaningful interaction with contemporary India. Students develop ethnographic skills for observing and interpreting the contemporary Indian landscape. Independent research projects will be expected. Topics include: gender issues, human rights, minority issues, development projects, religious pluralism.

Excursion to North India - For the final week of the program, students will journey in North India, seeing the incredible cities of Delhi, Jaipur as well as Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal. Visit the Photo Gallery Page to see the sights that you can see this summer!
Please contact Jeff Whitehead in the Study Abroad office (802 WPU) for further information, tel 412.648.2299 or email at
jrwst43@pitt.edu

PITT IN CHINA

The City of Wuhan. Situated in a subtropical climate at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers in central China, Wuhan is a thriving metropolis of over 8 million people. Although it was founded more than 3500 years ago, today’s Wuhan offers students the resources and amenities of numerous cultural institutions, a major transportation hub, and regional centers of technology and education. Participants in the program may also take advantage of Wuhan’s abundant gardens and natural areas, the annual Dragon Boat Festival, and the numerous museums and historical sites of the East Lake region.
Wuhan University - Wuhan University is a major university under the administration of the Education Ministry of the PRC. Located in Hubei Provence in the capital city of Wuhan, the university is known for its exceptional beauty, lovely lakes and world class gardens. The campus is wooded and green and the buildings are a unique example of Chinese architectural style. Students come from all over the world to study at Wuhan University and the campus is a major hub of a wide range of disciplines including engineering, business, English and literature.
Academic Program - Spoken Chinese is taught in small groups by local professors, based on students' individual levels, from beginning to intermediate. This component of the program is worth 3 credits. Students also participate in a 3 credit course on China’s economic development and current economic environment, consisting of lectures by local faculty and associated in-depth site visits to American and Chinese companies in Wuhan. - Much more on the academic program will follow in the coming weeks! ! ! Please contact Jeff Whitehead in the Study Abroad office (802 WPU) for further information, tel 412.648.2299 or email at jrwst43@pitt.edu

Dec 3: Honors College Lecture

THE UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

P R E S E N T S

"AFTER THE 2008 ELECTIONS:
HOW CAN THEY GOVERN?"

December 3rd 2008
8:00 PM
Twentieth Century Club
Corner of Bigelow Blvd. and
Parkman St., Pittsburgh, PA
Oakland Campus

A L E C T U R E F E A T U R I N G
Thomas E. Mann
W. Averell Harriman Chair
and Senior Fellow,
The Brookings Institution

Norman J. Ornstein
Resident Scholar,
American Enterprise Institute
for Public Policy Research

Moderated by:
Susan B. Hansen
Professor of Political Science,
University of Pittsburgh

This is a free event and open to the public
however seating is limited. You must RSVP
with your name, phone number, and the
name(s) of your guests to uhcevent@pitt.edu.
.
(If you do not have access to e-mail,
you may also call 412-624-2654 to RSVP.)

---------------------------------------------------
Edward L. McCord, Ph.D., J.D.
Director of Programming and Special Projects
University Honors College
3600 Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-624-6886
FAX: 412-624-6885

December 4: Lecture: Jewish Spain

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

Lecture--Recovering 'Jewish Spain': Sephardic Studies in the Spanish Political and Cultural Landscape, 1848-1940
3 PM - 5 PM
3703 Posvar Hall
Announced by: European Studies Center, European Union Center of Excellence

Michal Friedman, PhD Candidate at Columbia University, will present this lecture.
For more information, contact History Department - 412-648-7451

December 2: Peace Corps Presentation

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Lecture--Life is calling. How far will you go?
8:00 pm
Sutherland Hall
Audience: Open to Pitt Students
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: International Studies Living Learning Community, Western PA Peace Corps Recruiter, Global Studies Program

During the talk Annie Nagy, Peace Corps representative,will discuss the possible job opportunities with the Peace Corps and the work that Peace Corps volunteers have achieved worldwide. The Peace Corps is a US Government agency involved in international development and sends volunteers to live in developing countries all over the world for 27 months. Peace Corps also provides language training to volunteers for the various country assignments.
For more information, contact Veronica Dristas - 412-624-2918 dristas@pitt.edu

Monday, November 24, 2008

Study Abroad in the Himalayas

Himalayan Health Exchange (HHE) is organizing an field expedition to India in the summer of 2009. Through guided study/fieldwork in a remote Himalayan Tibetan Borderland, HHE will offer students a practical approach to the study of India and the Himalayan culture in a socio-cultural, medical and religious context. During their journey, team members will have the opportunity to investigate local history, religious beliefs and practices, modern human adaptations, regional effects of globalization, monastic influence and local healthcare. In addition, through trekking and camping in remote areas, they will participate in the interconnectedness of the magnificent natural environment with a daily local existence. Field experience will be augmented by daily academic lectures and research assistance.
Subject areas will include: Anthropology (Cultural, Medical, Economic and Visual), Religious Studies, Pre-Medical, Public Health, Psychology, Art/Fine Arts, Geography, Philosophy, Social Work and Sociology, Yoga and Meditation.

Note:
This is a high-altitude expedition in rugged Trans-Himalayan regions. Field camp elevations range between 8,000-15,000 feet, with higher pass crossings. As a participant, you must be in excellent physical shape and health and be willing to work in improvised field sites.

Locations: Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh: June 10- July 4, 2009
The first part of this expedition takes us to India’s highest, least populated, and most inaccessible area, Ladakh and the Chang Thang Plateau, located in the Western Himalayan Indo-Tibetan Borderlands. Our exciting journey through this remote part of the world provides an in-depth look at the local culture, Buddhist religion and social structure of Western Himalayan families and nomadic Tibetan tribes. After exploring Ladakh and the Chang Thang plateau, team members will travel to Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and exile Tibetan community. We will also visit many Hindu temples in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, including important pilgrimage sites.

Expedition fee: Each all-inclusive trip is US $2,740 plus international airfare and New Delhi-Leh flight ($450)

Application deadline: February 1, 2009: **Please be advised that space is limited

University credit is available through Northern Arizona University.
Cost of earning credit through NAU will be determined before the end of Fall 08 semester.

Program Coordinators:
Professor Paul Donnelly
Ravi Singh, founder of Himalayan Health Exchange

For details, please contact:
www.himalayanhealth.com
info@himalayanhealth.com

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tutoring Opportunities

I received this from the Academic Resource Center:

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) in the School of Arts and Sciences is expanding its tutoring component. During the spring term, we will offer peer tutoring during late evening hours in all of the Towers residence halls as well as in Lothrop Hall. We will also provide tutors for student groups who hold regularly scheduled group study sessions. With these additions come the need for more tutors, especially since some of our seniors will be graduating at the end of this term. Presently, we have a tutoring pool of 40 tutors who generally work about 10 hours a week. In the spring we will need at least 50 or more tutors. I need you to help us identify qualified students who must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.7 GPA in the subject area. Tutors are paid between $7.25 - $7.50/hr.
We need tutors for a variety of subjects, especially (but NOT exclusively) for the following courses: statistics, economics, biology, chemistry, physics, Spanish, and philosophy. If you know students who have the academic qualifications and like working with people, please have them log on to the following:

http://www.as.pitt.edu/undergraduate/offices/arc/pdf/mt-description-application.pdf

For more information, contact the ARC Tutor Coordinator:
Carrie Robbins-O’Connell at 412.648.7920 or csr14@pitt.edu

Still looking for a Religious Studies class for the spring?

These courses have space and are at a variety of times and on a variety of subjects.
If you would like to add one, you can process an add/drop form at the registrar or e-mail me (if you are a major) and I will add it for you.

RELGST 1210/14244 Classical Judaism Reich MWF 2-2:50CLASS 1450/14198 206 CL
JS 1210/14246
fulfills upper-level premodern west requirement or upper-level elective for major
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELGST 1135/35642 Orthodox Christianity Hayden TH 1-2:15 1700 WWPH
fulfills upper-level premodern west requirement or upper-level elective for major
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELGST 1425/36269 Popular Religion in America Kane TH 11-12:15HIST 1676/ A224 LANG
fulfills upper-level modern west requirement or upper-level elective for major
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELGST 1620/35650 Women and Religion Spahic TH 11-12:15with a focus on Islam
fulfills upper-level elective for major
visiting professor--will not be offered again with this focus in the future
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELGST 1740/ 15358 Meaning, Mystery, Paradox Edwards TH 9:30-10:45 151 CL
fulfills upper-level elective for major
this course was erroneously listed as UHC in the Peoplesoft schedule earlier; it is not UHC--open to any student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELGST 1800/35793 Special Topics Spahic TH 4-5:15
Marriage and Sexual Ethics in Islam
151 CL
fulfills upper-level elective for major
visiting professor--will not be offered again with this focus in the future

Monday, November 17, 2008

New Pitt Study Abroad Program for Spring 2010

Pitt MAP
A New Study Abroad Initiative



Contact: Vanessa Sterling, PittMAP Coordinator
vmsst4@pitt.edu, (412) 624-2033


What is Pitt MAP?

Pitt MAP, or Multi-region Academic Program, will be a semester-long globally comparative and academically rigorous study abroad experience. Three Pitt faculty and thirty students will travel together to three sites, each on a different continent, taking courses designed to address one of the six Global Studies concentration themes. Each trip will vary in terms of theme and sites. The first trip will be in spring term 2010 (2104).

Where is Pitt MAP going?
For the Spring 2010 term, the sites are:
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Beijing, China
The program will spend four weeks in each site at partnering universities for each location.

What is the theme?
Following the Changing Identities in a Global World concentration, the theme for Spring 2010 is State Memory/Private Lives. The curriculum will address the ways memory systems are constructed and sustained across three very different cultures. This focus could be pursued in coursework and site investigations examining the tension between state structures of cohesion—city museums, war memorials, national sites of commemoration—and private practices of self and family, such as holiday ritual, marketplace routine, and civic activism.

Who can participate?
• Since the coursework will be rigorous and advanced, most students will be juniors or seniors, but students with 24 completed credits on Pitt’s campus may study abroad.
• Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Seniors in their last semester may study abroad with permission.



Who are the faculty?
• Dr. Nancy Condee (Slavic) is Academic Director in Spring 2010.
• Two other senior members of the Arts and Sciences faculty.

Do I need to study another language?
No- courses will be offered in English. However, speaking one or more of the three site languages would be quite helpful.

How much will it cost?
$19,500 is the current projected price per student. This includes tuition, airfare, rooms, some meals and insurance for the term. This is an estimated cost that is subject to change.

What about financial aid?
• Federal, state, and campus-based financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, will apply to study abroad. Those who fill out a Cost of Increase for Study Abroad form may receive more financial assistance.
• The Study Abroad Office offers scholarships every term. In addition, many program providers and even departments offer their own internal awards. See our website for more options.
• Please speak with a Study Abroad Advisor if your parents are UPMC or Pitt employees to see if you qualify for tuition benefits.


What are the other future Pitt MAP themes?

• Global Health
• Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• Sustainable Development
• Globalized Economy and Global Governance
• Communication, Technology, and Society


What should I do if I want to go?

Contact the Pitt MAP Coordinator
Call or email Vanessa Sterling, (412-624-2033) or vmsst4@pitt.edu to schedule an appointment. She can discuss how the time frame and coursework will affect progress towards your degree.

Attend a Study Abroad Essentials meeting
Learn about study abroad resources, advising, and financial aid by attending an Essentials meeting at the Study Abroad Office. Sign up at www.abroad.pitt.edu/essentials.

Women's Studies Program Student Research Funding

Student Research Fund

2008-2009

The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at
the University of Pittsburgh engaged in research related to the study of
women, gender, and/or sexuality. The number of projects funded and the
amount of funding vary each year depending on donations to the program.
Awards of up to $1000 made to support travel expenses, secretarial costs,
research materials, or other direct costs related to research. Travel
must be arranged through the Women's Studies Program; all other costs will
be reimbursed on the basis of receipts.



Strong priority will be given to individuals who have not received Women's
Studies funding in the past and to students officially enrolled in the
Women's Studies Certificate Program who have made significant progress
toward their certificate requirements. Preference will be given to
proposals with a clear research rationale that effectively address readers
beyond the projects' home discipline and that actively engage and
contribute to Women's Studies or Gender Studies scholarship. Upon
completion of the research, students will be asked to present their
findings to the Women's Studies community through a brownbag presentation.



The research proposal must be typewritten, double-spaced, and should be no
longer than 6 pages (exclusive of items 1, 2, and 8). Submit four copies
of items 1-7 the following items in this order:



1. Cover Page (available online)

2. Current Curriculum Vitae/Resume

3. Project Description Summary (2 pages): Outline the underlying
theory of the project, the research questions being asked, the specific
issues being investigated, and a statement of your project's relevance to
women's studies or gender studies.

4. Research Methodology (no more than 1 page): Include a brief
review of previous research and a discussion of methods to be used in this
research. If human subjects approval is necessary for you to conduct this
research, you must provide evidence of IRB approval with your application.

5. Bibliography (no more than 1 page): Emphasize the most pertinent
sources of research.

6. Project Timetable (no more than 1 page): Summarize the sequential
stages of the research and indicating a proposed date for the completion
of each step.

7. Itemized Budget (no more than 1 page): Detail how you plan to use
the funds requested and how the funds will contribute to your research
(with line items for travel, research materials, secretarial costs,
copying, photography, and any other direct costs).

8. Letter of Reference: The application packet must include a letter
of reference from a faculty member familiar with the student's work and
project. The letter must be in a sealed envelope, signed by the faculty
member.



DEADLINES FOR PROPOSALS: NOVEMBER 21, 2008 and MARCH 27, 2009

Study Abroad Funding

Gilman Awards
Over 1,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities are eligible to apply.
Students who apply for and receive the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad are now eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000. 25 Critical Need Language Supplements were offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients during the 2007-2008 academic year. There will be an increased number of Supplements this academic year.
Critical Need Languages include:

Arabic (all dialects)
Chinese (all dialects)
Turkic (Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgz, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek)
Persian (Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Pashto, Tajiki)
Indic (Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Sindhi)
Korean
Russian
This congressionally funded program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Institute of International Education -- Southern Regional Center in Houston, Texas. http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html





Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA)
For more information visit http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/casa/.




SMART and Academic Competitiveness Grants
http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0606.html




Study Abroad Language Scholarships
National Security Education Program: Boren Scholarships
http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/default.htm
Austrian American Educational Commission Teaching Assistantship
http://www.fullbright.at
French Ministry of Education Teaching Assistantship
http://www.frenchculture.org/a_assistantship-program_195.cfm
Princeton in Asia Teaching Fellows
http://weblamp.princeton.edu/~pia/main/index.php?option=com_frontpage
Spanish Ministry of Education and Science North American Language and Culture Assistants
http://www.mec.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml
Freeman-Asia Program
http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-ASIA/
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html
Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/Morgan.html
German Academic Exchange Service
http://www.daad.org/
National Security Internship
www.nationalsecurityinternship.com.
Search by country or field of study
www.studyabroadfunding.org

The Jack Wilson Fund

The Jack Wilson Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide financial assistance for innovative, international opportunities that foster an appreciation of and better understanding among different cultures. Priority will be given to ideas that promote peace and community development. In order to be considered for this full or partial fellowship, applicants must:

1. Have completed at least three years of undergraduate work or be enrolled in a graduate program at any of the following schools: Carlow University, Chatham University, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, St. Vincent College, University of Akron and the University of Pittsburgh.

2. Have completed degree work in or be majoring in one of the following fields: international affairs, political science, world cultures, inter-cultural communications, social work, education, art, music.

3. Have a plan to visit another country for the purpose of increasing understanding of other cultures. This plan should include a specific service-oriented project.

4. Demonstrate financial need to undertake travel and project.

5. Complete an application and include a one and a half page essay explaining

how this project will promote peace and community development or is of some other use to the country being visited.

6. Provide an interim report acknowledging receipt of funds and arrival at the destination and a detailed follow-up report of their project within two months of its completion. These must be mailed to The Pittsburgh Foundation at the address indicated at the bottom of the application

An Advisory Committee will select the recipient (subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of The Pittsburgh Foundation). No member of the Advisory Committee, or his or her immediate family, shall be eligible for assistance during his or her tenure on the Advisory Committee.


The Pittsburgh Foundation shall notify the chosen recipient(s) of its decision. All scholarship checks will be made payable to the university for the student or appropriate designated organization. For the application, please click here.

For more information please visit The Pittsburgh Foundation website at http://www.pittsburghfoundation.org.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Lecture December 4: "Recovering 'Jewish Spain'"

Thursday, December 4
3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
3703 Posvar Hall

Lecture--Recovering 'Jewish Spain': Sephardic Studies in the Spanish Political and Cultural Landscape, 1848-1940

Michal Friedman, PhD Candidate at Columbia University, will present this lecture.

For more information, contact Karen Lautanen - 412-648-8517 kal70@pitt.edu

Monday, November 10, 2008

GRE --Kaplan information

I know that many of you are interested in taking the GRE's and may want a prep course or other resources. I received an e-mail from Kaplan that I am not reposting because it's basically commercial advertising but I do include here the contact information since some of you may want to look into it.

www.kaptest.com/gre, 1-800-KAP-TEST or (412) 621-4620

Information about Education Certification

This may be important for those of you considering careers in education in Pennsylvania:

DEADLINE EXTENSION

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR COMPLETION OF
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K – 6) CERTIFICATION

 Pennsylvania Department of Education is allowing the University of Pittsburgh School of Education to continue to grant Elementary Education Certificates (K-6) until AUGUST 13, 2013.

What does this mean?
 Current Freshmen will be able to apply to the Elementary Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Professional Year (PY) programs and be certified to teach in grades K-6. They must:
 Be prepared to apply by January 15, 2012.
 Complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in June, 2013.
 Complete the Professional Year (PY) program in April, 2013.

 If you are in your Sophomore or Junior year, or have fallen behind in coursework for ADP Plus Elementary, you can still apply to the fifth year Elementary MAT and PY programs as long as you complete the graduate teacher certification program by August 13, 2013.

Monday, November 03, 2008

More Study Abroad scholarshios

Gilman Awards
Over 1,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities are eligible to apply.
Students who apply for and receive the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad are now eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000. 25 Critical Need Language Supplements were offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients during the 2007-2008 academic year. There will be an increased number of Supplements this academic year.
Critical Need Languages include:

Arabic (all dialects)
Chinese (all dialects)
Turkic (Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgz, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek)
Persian (Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Pashto, Tajiki)
Indic (Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Sindhi)
Korean
Russian
This congressionally funded program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Institute of International Education -- Southern Regional Center in Houston, Texas. http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html





Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA)
For more information visit http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/casa/.




SMART and Academic Competitiveness Grants
http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0606.html




Study Abroad Language Scholarships
National Security Education Program: Boren Scholarships
http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/default.htm
Austrian American Educational Commission Teaching Assistantship
http://www.fullbright.at
French Ministry of Education Teaching Assistantship
http://www.frenchculture.org/a_assistantship-program_195.cfm
Princeton in Asia Teaching Fellows
http://weblamp.princeton.edu/~pia/main/index.php?option=com_frontpage
Spanish Ministry of Education and Science North American Language and Culture Assistants
http://www.mec.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml
Gilman International Scholarship Program
http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html
Freeman-Asia Program
http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-ASIA/
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html
Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/Morgan.html
German Academic Exchange Service
http://www.daad.org/
National Security Internship
www.nationalsecurityinternship.com.
Search by country or field of study
www.studyabroadfunding.org

Come and hear and meet our Visiting Professor for Spring 2009

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Lecture-- Bosnian Islam: A Paradigm of European Islam?
12:00 — 1:30PM
4217 Posvar Hall

Dr. Zilka Spahic-Siljak is a Professor at the Center for Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Studies at the University of Sarajevo and Project Coordinator for research on gender and education at the Transcultural and Psychological Foundation in Sarajevo. She received her BA in Islamic Studies from the University of Sarajevo and doctorate from the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Novi Sad. Professor Spahic-Siljak’s publications include “Women, Religion, and Politics” and other books and articles. Her teaching and research focuses on gender, politics and religion in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southeastern Europe. Dr. Spihac-Siljak has received grants from Oslo University and Arizona State University, and the University of Pittsburgh is proud to announce that she will be offering two courses as a Visiting Professor for the Department of Religious Studies in the spring 2009 term.
Sponsored by: The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS), the Department of Religious Studies, the Global Studies Program, and the Center for Russian and East European Studies

Teach for America

Teach For America is the corps of recent college graduates of all academic majors who teach for two years in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in expanding educational opportunity for all. Full salary and benefits. All academic majors.


Next Application Deadline:
Friday, November 7, 2008

Apply online at: www.teachforamerica.org

Nationality Rooms Study Abroad Scholarships for Summer 2009

Applications for the Nationality Rooms Summer Scholarships are now available from 1209 CL or at www.ucis.pitt.edu/natrooms/.

Interviews begin November 24 and must be completed before January 16.
The final applications are due Wednesday January 21, 2009, for undergraduates.

Posted outside my office door is a list of available scholarships and which countries/topics they can be used for.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program
Information Session
Please join us for an information session about the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 4 p.m. in B4 Thaw Hall.

About the CEIP Junior Fellows Program
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. As one of the world’s leading think tanks specializing in international affairs, the Endowment conducts programs of research, discussion, publication and education. The Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Approximately 8-10 students will be hired to work at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, DC on a full-time basis for a period of one year.

Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on Carnegie Endowment’s projects such as non-proliferation, democracy building, Middle East political reform, trade and environment, economics, international security, international economics, South Asian politics, China-related issues, and Russian and Eurasian affairs. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research for books, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials. One junior fellow is also assigned to work on communications/outreach initiatives.

Applications are accepted only from graduating college seniors or individuals who have graduated within the past academic year. No one will be considered who has started graduate studies. Applicants who have completed a significant amount of coursework in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

International Affairs
Political Science
Economics
History
Russian, Chinese or Middle East studies or communications
Language and other skills may be required for certain assignments.



2009-2010 Projects
Democracy/Rule of Law – Political Science background preferred.
Middle East Studies – Native or near-native Arabic language skills required.
Nonproliferation
South Asian Studies – Strong math skills required in addition to background in international affairs or political science.
Energy and Climate Change - Quantitative skills required.
Chinese Studies – Mandarin Chinese reading skills a huge plus.
Chinese Economics - Mandarin Chinese essential. Strong Excel computation skills required.
Trade, Equity, and Development – Economics and quantitative background needed.
Russian/Eurasian Studies – Excellent Russian language skills required.
Central Asian Studies – Ability to read and translate in Central Asian language. Uzbek language skills most desirable.
International Economics
U.S. Role in the World


Application Process
All of the following must be submitted to Margaret Heely, B-4 Thaw Hall, no later than Friday, December 12, 2008:

Completed application form
Essay (one page or less) on why the student would like to become a junior fellow
Students should indicate their name on each page
A one- to two-page résumé (including telephone number, address, extra-curricular activities, and work experience)
Two recommendations, at least one of which should be from a professor of the student's major department
Transcript of undergraduate records (transcript may be unofficial and unsealed)
An essay of no more than three typewritten, double-spaced pages on the topic you are interested in researching as a Junior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment. The essay is intended to test skills in analysis, logic, and written expression. The essays are to be thought pieces, not research papers.
ESSAY TOPICS
Applicants must respond to the question pertaining to the program to which they are applying.

Democracy/Rule of Law Program. The U.S. administration should significantly downgrade the place of democracy promotion in the U.S. foreign policy relative to the last eight years. Do your agree of disagree and why?
Middle East Program. In the greater Middle East, the next U.S. administration will undoubtedly continue to face major challenges concerning the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, Iraq and Afghanistan, and Iran's nuclear ambitions. It will also face considerable additional challenges. Discuss some of these additional challenges and why you think they are important.
Nonproliferation Program. By the year 2015 do you think there will be more than the current nine countries with nuclear weapons? If so, which ones, and why? If not, why are people who fear this wrong?
Trade, Equity, and Development Program. The current round of globalization has been underway for about 25 years. Enough time has passes that the empirical evidence of its effects is beginning to accumulate. How do you assess the impact of globalization on developing countries? Is globalization good or bad for employment and for the poor? Why?
Russia/Eurasia Program. In the aftermath of the Russian-Georgian crisis of August 2008, the major U.S. Presidential candidates had differing proposals on how the U.S. should deal with the issue. What are the implications of these proposals for U.S.-Russian relations and for the broader international community?
Central Asia Program (see below for China Economics). Can China's authoritarian regime develop and project soft power than can compete against the Western liberal order? Please explain.
China Economics Program. China's success in economic development demonstrates that authoritarianism is probably necessary in promoting economic growth in poor countries. Do you agree? Why or why not?
South Asia Program. What is the best U.S. strategy for defeating terrorism emanating from Pakistan?
Energy & Climate Program. The U.S. government in 2009 will consider whether to impose a "cap and trade" policy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Should the U.S. take this action unilaterally or concentrate instead on a global climate deal?
International Economics Program. The U.S. financial crisis will have international consequences. What will be the most important ones? Which countries will be most affected? Are there any countries that will benefit from the American Financial problems?
U.S. Role in the World Program. How do you define America's proper role in the world?
Communications Program. Applicants interested in the Communications program may write on one of the above topics.
All of the above materials will be forwarded by the designated university official, Margaret Heely, PhD, to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.

For Further Information
For more information, contact:

Margaret Heely
Designated/Nominating Official
Office of Experiential Learning
B-4 Thaw Hall / 412-624-6828

Campus Superstar

Look for more on this in the coming weeks, from the Hillel-JUC (open to all students):

Campus Superstar is asking for your help in spreading the word about our scholarship opportunity! Campus Superstar is an American Idol like showcase displaying some of the best student talent in the Western Pennsylvania region. Our show has been a success for the past two years and in the third year we once again need help publicizing to the student community. This competition is open to all full time college students. First place in the competition is a $5,000 scholarship, and second and third place will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Study Abroad in an Ecovillage

Living Routes
Study Abroad in Ecovillages
UMass Amherst-accredited Semester, January, Summer, and Year Abroad programs in Sustainable Communities
http://www.livingroutes.org

Dear Adam,

We recently received an application from one of your students.....to study abroad with Living Routes on our India program.

My name is Gregg Orifici, Admissions Director at Living Routes. I would like to introduce myself and tell you about our unique interdisciplinary academic programs.

As you may know, Living Routes offers accredited study programs (January, Summer, Semester and Year Abroad) in Ecovillages in India, Australia, Peru, Scotland, Senegal, Brazil, Mexico, Israel and the U.S. (see program description and links below). All Living Routes programs contain an integrated Service Learning component. Students from over 200 colleges and universities throughout North America have studied abroad with LIving Routes and all receive academic credit from UMass Amherst, which is widely transferable. To read about what students learn and experience day-to-day on one of our programs, visit our student weblogs at http://www.livingroutes.org/weblogs/weblog.php

Ecovillages make ideal "campuses" for learning because they are unique communities where the theory and practical applications of ecological sustainability and social justice meet. In Ecovillages around the world, people are creating and modeling sustainable lifestyles in harmony with their local environments - restoring ecosystems and habitat, developing participatory models of governance, growing healthful organic food, building "green" homes, working for justice and social change, and utilizing renewable resources such as wind and solar energy.

I can put a packet of information in the mail to you, Adam, if you would find this helpful in your advising students. If you would like this, please let me know.

I look forward to talking with you and answering any questions you may have.

Best regards,

Gregg


Gregg Orifici
Director of Admissions
Living Routes - Study Abroad in Ecovillages Worldwide
79 S. Pleasant Street, #A5, Amherst, MA 01002
(888) 515-7333 or (413) 259-0025
http://www.LivingRoutes.org



Semester Programs


Scotland
Human Challenge of Sustainability at Findhorn
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_findhorn.htm


Examine the skills, creativity and understanding that are vital to community living at Findhorn -- a human-scale Ecovillage on the dramatic north coast of Scotland renowned for its environmental consciousness, personal and spiritual growth, artistry, education, and global responsibility. Learn about the integration of human ecology and natural systems as you gain valuable field experience in areas including sustainable food systems, creative expression and group facilitation.


Course Topics: Worldviews and Consciousness, Theory and Practice of Group Dynamics & Conflict Facilitation, Fine Art in Community, and Applied Sustainability: Ecovillage Living


Field Study: Explore Celtic culture, spend a week on extraordinary Erraid Island with a small farming community, and help regenerate the Caledonian forest or other meaningful service learning


Supervised Internship: Become a part of community life by working in organic gardens, preparing wholesome meals, or another area of interest


Credit: Earn 16 transferable credits through University of Massachusetts, Amherst




Senegal
Sustainable Community Development
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_ecotourism.htm


Study abroad in Senegal and engage with ecovillagers and indigenous peoples on topics of sustainable development and ecotourism. Partner with Senegalese university students and travel to West African villages to pursue service learning projects protecting natural resources, creating livelihoods, improving education and health, and celebrating cultural diversity. Live with welcoming Senegalese families as you practice your French or Wolof. Course are offered in French or English.


Course Topics: Community-Based Ecotourism; Sustainable Development in Senegal: Theory and Practice; Community Service Learning in Developing Countries; Conversational French and West African Literature or Introductory Wolof and Senegalese Culture


Field Study: Visit pre-industrial communities and participate in traditional agriculture and food preparation. Enjoy tropical beaches. Learn to play the diembe drums, or to dance the royal Diagalde, and the Ndawrabin, ocean dance of the Lebou fishing villages. Visit Goree Island, last stop for the slave trade on the voyage to the Americas and stand in the door of no return of the Slave House Museum


Supervised Internship: Design a practicum in environmental protection, organic agriculture, micro-credit, K-12 education, nutrition, reproductive health, or other topic of interest


Credit: Earn 16 transferable credits through University of Massachusetts, Amherst




India
Sustainability in Practice at Auroville
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_auroville.htm


Build ecological skills and learn about Indian and community culture at Auroville - "the city the earth needs" and one of the world's largest and most diverse Ecovillages. Study and build field experience in habitat protection, systems thinking, and ecological literacy as you design and complete an internship in sustainable development. Spend 3 weeks in Hampi, an Island ecologic preserve in the Tungabhadra River, site of 4 billion year-old exposed earth, caves and lakes. Discover the jungle ruins of Millennia-old Hindu empires and do a 40-hour sacred solo quest to reflect on learnings.


Course Topics: Applications and Practices of Sustainable Living, Global and Local Sustainability, Cooperative Processes and Learning Communities, Body, Mind, Spirit: Cultivating Personal Sustainability


Field Study: Visit cultural and ecological sites including Periyar Sanctuary and overnight at Sri Ramanamaharshi's Ashram and climb Arunchula Mountain, locally believed to be the body of Hindu God Shiva


Supervised Internship: Design a practicum in organic agriculture, renewable energy systems, reforestation, ecological literacy, women's empowerment or another topic of interest


Credit: Earn 16 transferable credits through University of Massachusetts, Amherst




Israel
Peace, Justice, and the Environment at Kibbutz Lotan (Fall only)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_lotan.htm


Explore the connections between new forms of ecological identity and stewardship, social justice and community in Israel. Work alongside Palestinian-Arab, Bedouin and Jewish Israelis who are striving for a just and lasting peace. Gain hands-on experience in ecological design, green building and sustainable agriculture and put permaculture into action in a Bedouin village.


Course Topics: Peacebuilding and Social Justice, Theory and Practice of Group Dynamics, Permaculture Design, Sustainable Technologies and Structures


Field Study: Live and work in Lotan, a green kibbutz, and Naveh Shalom Wahat al Salam, a bi-national Jewish and Palestinian Arab Israeli community. Visit Jewish, Arab and Bedouin towns, meet with government, industry and community leaders and gain a broad perspective of efforts to heal the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Float in the Dead Sea and experience Jerusalem.


Supervised Internship: Gain skills in organic farming, adobe and straw bale construction, participate in Peace Dialogues between the different populations of Israel and learn how to design sustainable human settlements.


Credit: Earn 16 transferable credits through University of Massachusetts - Amherst


January Programs


India
Low-Carbon Living at Sadhana Forest January Term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_india_winter.htm


Learn what it is like to live well and more lightly on the earth at sustainable Sadhana Forest, India. Dedicated to veganism, appropriate technologies and simple living, the community's mission is to regenerate the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest near Auroville, India. Sadhana is an ideal environment to learn to measure and reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to indigenous seed and tree planting, contour bunding, organic gardening, and compost and soil management with Effective Microorganisms (EM). Put the theory of ecological living and habitat regeneration into practice as you experience community building, one-on-one mentoring and personal development.


Course Topics: Water Conservation, Soil Erosion Control, Sustainable Forestry, Humans in the landscape, Appropriate Technologies, Systems of Sustainable Living


Field Study: Experience an ancient, sacred grove with Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest species.


Community Project: Help regenerate the endangered Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts Amherst


Mexico
Leadership for Social Change January-term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_huehuecoyotl.htm


Study abroad in Mexico and learn the skills needed to bring a group together around a common vision and effect positive change. Working with "usos y costumbres" (traditional ways of doing things), students design and complete a community service project that will benefit nearby communities. Located in the volcano belt of central Mexico, Huehuecoyotl was founded over 20 years ago by an international group of artists and musicians, activists and ecologists.


Course Topics: Introduction to Consensus, Basic Facilitation Skills, Participatory Democracy in the context of Mexico's Political and Social History, Spanish Language (optional)


Field Study: Visit sites dating from the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquest, the Mexican Revolution and the contemporary struggle against globalization


Community Project: Design and implement a project either in Huehuecoyotl, the adjacent national forest or neighboring village


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst


Peru
Fair Trade & Bio-cultural Regeneration in the High Amazon January term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_peru.htm


Journey to Peru's Andean-Amazon region to learn firsthand about empowerment efforts to restore the environment and create right livelihoods for indigenous and mestizo farmers that are also good for the earth while regenerating ancestral practices. Students contribute to local communities through service learning with Oro Verde, a successful organic fair traded coffee producing cooperative which promotes agricultural biodiversity, environmental responsibility, sustainability and cultural regeneration.


Course topics: Indigenous Culture and Agriculture, Shamanism, Community Building
and Cooperative Management, Fair Trade Organic Coffee Production and Distribution,
Biodiversity Regeneration and Reforestation Efforts, Spanish and Quechua (optional)


Service Learning: Help in Reforestation efforts and coffee production and return to the US with opportunities to further your internship with Dean's Beans Organic Coffee and other roasters


Field Study: Visit sites of cultural and ecological importance, such as the sacred Awashiyacu
Waterfalls and the Takiwasi center for the shamanistic treatment of addiction.


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst


Senegal
Sustainable Development in Ecovillages January term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_ecoyoff.htm


Explore the impact of global trends and micro-credit development policies on the grassroots level at EcoYoff, a 600-year old fishing village in Dakar and a leader in sustainable community development. Build basic skills in French and Wolof as you study the complex relationship between humans, development needs, and the environment. Partner with Senegalese university students and visit ancient and modern Ecovillages, from a seaside national preserve to the ancient capital of the Cayor Kingdom. You pursue research on a topic of interest as you enter into dialogue with villagers and participate in their daily activities.


Course topics: Microcredit Sustainable Development; Economy and Food Security; Populations, Health, and Nutrition; the Environment, Infrastructure and Habitat; French language (optional)


Community Project: Partner with a local Senegalese university student and make a lasting contribution to local education, infrastructure or the environment


Field Study: Visit species preservation programs for chimpanzees and migratory birds


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst


Summer Programs




Australia
Permaculture at Crystal Waters Summer (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_crystal_waters.htm


Investigate new ways of creating sustainable human habitats at Crystal Waters - an award-winning grassroots ecological institute and wildlife refuge in sub-tropical Australia. Learn permaculture principles as you create an environmental design integrating food production, green housing, appropriate technologies and community empowerment.

Course Topics: Reading the Landscape, Sustainable Shelter, Acquaculture and appropriate architecture, Community Development and Support systems, Building healthy soil,


Field Study: Visit Fraser Island, a World Heritage site and largest sand island in the world, home to rare flora and fauna, and tropical rainforests growing on the shifting sands...


Community Project: Create your own unique ecological design and become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts Amherst


Brazil
Permaculture at Ecoversidade Summer term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_ecoversidade.htm


Investigate new ways of creating sustainable human habitats at Ecoversidade - a grassroots ecological institute in tropical central Brazil. Learn permaculture principles as you examine lifestyle choices and participate in community-based activities including Capoeira, a native mix of acrobatics, sacred dance, and self-defense.

Course Topics: Sustainable Shelter, Acquaculture and appropriate architecture, Community Development, Urban Renewal Strategies, and Portuguese language (optional)


Field Study: Visit the Cerrado Forest, a World Heritage Biosphere home to rare flora and fauna, enjoy local waterfalls, option to attend Bioconstruindo, a renowned natural building course


Community Project: Create your own unique ecological design and become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst


USA
Permaculture at Sirius Summer term (3 weeks)
http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_sirius.htm


Learn how to integrate plants, animals, buildings, people, and communities in a design for ecological living at Sirius - an educational and spiritual Ecovillage in scenic western Massachusetts. Study the inter-relationships between personal, social, and ecological sustainability as you immerse yourself in the richness of one of North America's most dynamic ecological communities.


Course Topics: Reading the Landscape, Water in the Landscape, Building a Healthy Soil, The Cultivated Ecosystem: Urban Renewal Strategies, Community Support Systems


Field Study: Visit old-growth forests, community-supported agricultural projects, eco-homesteads


Community Project: Create an ecological design and become a Certified Permaculture Apprentice


Credit: Earn 4 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst


--

Friday November 7: Medieval and Renaissance Studies Event

Please join the Pittsburgh Medieval & Renaissance Colloquium and the Silver Eye Gallery on Friday, November 7th for "Hearsay: On the Universal Languages of Nature" with Rosamond Purcell and Michael Witmore, 4:30 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University’s Irwin Steinberg Auditorium, Baker Hall A53.


Photographer and essayist Rosamond Purcell has led a distinguished career photographing and writing about natural wonders, curiosities, and collections in museums of natural history. In this joint dialogue with Renaissance scholar Michael Witmore, Purcell will present a number of images from past and recent work that depict objects which seem to carry with them stories for which there is no origin: occasions for hearsay, one might say. A recurring theme in their discussion will be the ways in which objects taken from nature -- fossils, bones, figured stones -- possess morphological features that are strangely suggestive of language -- an idea that has since at least the Middle Ages led some commentators to seek a universal language in the "Book of Nature." The presentation will also include photographs of human-made objects that seem to participate in this larger world of signs.


Rosamond Purcell is a world-renowned artist who has photographed behind the scenes in the collections of major museums for more than twenty-five years. Michael Witmore is a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison specializing in Renaissance studies. He was formerly a professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University and the director of the Pittsburgh Medieval and Renaissance Consortium. His book, Culture of Accidents: Unexpected Knowledges in Early Modern England (co-winner of Perkins Prize for Narrative, 2003), explored the ways in which narrative depictions of "accidental events" allowed them to serve as moments of discovery around the turn of the seventeenth century.


You can download a copy of the event poster at the Consortium's website:
http://www.medren.org/WitmorePurcellPoster.jpg.
For further information, please contact Allyson Creasman at acreasman@cmu.edu.

Eastern International Region of the American Academy of Religion

UNDERGRADUATES-- YOU CAN SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO PRESENT YOUR RESEARCH AT THIS EVENT
--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF YOU HAVE AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER AND ARE PLANNING TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL IN RELIGION OR OTHER HUMANITIES FIELDS


Eastern International Region
Call for Papers
Eastern International Regional Meeting
Le Moyne College
Syracuse, NY
May 1-2, 2009

The Regional Program Committee invites you to submit proposals for papers and panels to be presented at the 2009 Regional Meeting. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2009.

Proposals for the conference should consist of the following:

A one-page abstract (300 words max.) describing the nature of the paper or panel.
A current CV for the participant(s).
A cover letter that includes your full name, title, institution, phone number, fax number, email, and mailing address.
Please send this information as a single e-mail attachment in MS Word format to EIRinfo@lemoyne.edu with the subject line “EIR paper submission.”

The committee encourages panels that combine activism or a performative dimension with scholarly research. We are strongly interested in papers or panels that engage in interdisciplinary research while maintaining religion as a central theme.

Theme: Contemporary Textualities

Suggested Areas:

Religion and the Body
Religion and Popular Culture
Art/Literature/Architecture
Performance and Ritual
Religion, Science, and Technology
Pedagogical Issues in Religious Studies
Religion and the Environment
Presentations are limited to twenty minutes, with an additional ten minutes for questions.

If you require technological support for your presentation (such as Internet connection or audio and projection equipment), you must request it with your proposal.

All presenters at the Spring 2009 regional conference must have active membership in the AAR and preregister for the conference. Scholars from any region may participate.

Student Paper Competition

Graduate and undergraduate students residing in the Eastern International region are invited to enter the student paper competition. Please note that to be eligible for submission, the student must attend a university in the Eastern International Region. The committee will give preference to work that is new at this conference. Two $100 awards are reserved for winning papers (although in some cases the Committee can decide to award up to three).

To enter the competition, please attach a letter of intent along with your initial proposal by the January 31, 2009 deadline. Send this proposal to EIRinfo@lemoyne.edu. A final draft of the paper must be submitted by April 1, 2009. To be eligible for this award, the student must read the entire paper at the meeting, which means the paper and presentation must conform to the 20 minute time limit (roughly 2,500 words). We ask that all final drafts in this contest be submitted by e-mail to Scott Kline at skline@uwaterloo.ca.

Undergraduates

The AAR–EIR welcomes submissions from undergraduates in the field of religious studies. The Committee requests that, in addition to the abstract, CV, and cover letter, the undergraduate student also submit a letter from a faculty member who has supervised the student’s work.

Asian Arts-- Diwali Fundraiser

Silk Screen Asian Arts - Diwali Gala Fundraiser
In honor of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a dinner and dance fundraiser at Navarra on Nov. 1, will benefit Silk Screen Asian Arts, Child Rights and You (CRY) and NetIP Pittsburgh. The Asian Studies Center is a proud sponsor of Silk Screen, the host of an annual Asian American Film Festival. Please see www.silkscreenfestival.org for more information on the gala.
(from Asian Studies Center)

Next Dept. Colloquium November 12

The Department of Religious Studies
Brown Bag Lunch Colloquium Series
University of Pittsburgh

presents

Peter deVries
Cooperative Doctoral Program in Religion, University of Pittsburgh

“The Apocalyptic Genre Considered in
Light of Ricoeur’s Hermeneutics”

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
12:00 noon
2628 Cathedral of Learning
Coffee and cookies provided

Summer Yiddish Study and PAID Internship in Western Massachusetts

YIDDISH AND JEWISH CULTURE: LEARN AND LIVE IT THIS SUMMER!

The Steiner Summer Program for College Students at the National Yiddish Book Center selects 18 students for seven weeks of immersion in Yiddish culture. Our interns study the Yiddish language, the Jewish culture and history of Central and Eastern Europe and America, pursue a research or translation project, and work with the Yiddish Book Center's comprehensive collection of Yiddish literature.
Each intern is awarded a stipend and provided with free housing; undergraduate college credit for two courses is available at no extra charge. The Steiner Internship program runs from June 7 to July 24, 2009, and is open to all full-time university students.
Please note: Students who are not enrolled in a degree-granting program as of January 1, 2009 are not eligible. http://www.yiddishsummer.org

THE STEINER SUMMER PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS:
The National Yiddish Book Center Steiner Internships offer 18 qualified full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) an intensive educational experience in Yiddish language, literature, cultural and history. This unique program is made possible through the generosity of David and Sylvia Steiner and the support of a small group of benefactors.
The Steiner Summer Program awards a $2,000 stipend to each intern, which will be paid in two installments. The program also covers tuition, fees and the cost of books for students. Classes and other related activities are held at the National Yiddish Book Center headquarters in Amherst; undergraduate credits and transcripts are issued through the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The internship was launched 20 years ago to teach students about Yiddish language and culture while involving them in the daily work of the Book Center: collecting books, unloading trucks, and sorting and shelving hundreds of thousands of collected volumes. Since then, the program has expanded to become one of the leading Yiddish immersion and Jewish cultural education programs in the world, with hundreds of alumni. Few students know Yiddish before coming to the Center; many go on to further study and, in some cases, professional work in Yiddish-related fields.

THE NATIONAL YIDDISH BOOK CENTER:
The National Yiddish Book Center is a dynamic non-profit organization working to preserve the best of Yiddish culture and make it come alive for a new generation. Since 1980 we have rescued a million Yiddish books that had been abandoned or were in danger of being destroyed. For the past 25 years, we have been hard at work sorting, cataloging, and digitizing these rescued volumes and distributing them to Yiddish readers and to major university and research libraries around the world. We also have developed a wide range of innovative cultural and educational programs that bring Yiddish culture to a broad international audience. Interns will be involved in all Book Center activities, attending public programs, exhibits, and special events.
IN THE CLASSROOM:
Interns are enrolled in two mandatory courses through the University of Massachusetts at Amherst: Introduction to Yiddish Culture and History, and either Intensive Beginning Yiddish or Intensive Intermediate Yiddish, depending on the student's fluency level. Students who have taken more than four semesters of Yiddish language will be supervised in special translation projects in lieu of language classes. Classes are taught by some of the world's leading scholars of Yiddish (see faculty, for more information).

PROJECTS IN YIDDISH CULTURE:
Interns will be chosen partially on the basis of their interest in pursuing a scholarly or creative project related to an aspect of Eastern European or American Jewish culture. These projects might include collecting Jewish cultural materials or artifacts, researching neglected aspects of Jewish culture, using existing cultural materials as a point of departure for creative exploration, or translating significant Yiddish texts into English. We will give special consideration to projects that involve original fieldwork and incorporate ethnographic techniques. Interns will work closely with faculty and staff on their projects and will make oral presentations at the conclusion of the program, also submitting a written version of their findings that will become part of our curricular resources.

DOCENT TRAINING AND WORKING WITH OUR COLLECTION:
Under the supervision of our Collection Manager, interns will be trained to unpack, sort and shelve books and journals. In addition, they will receive training as National Yiddish Book Center tour guides in our Visitors Center.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION:
Apartment-style housing at Hampshire College, within walking distance to the National Yiddish Book Center, is offered to all interns. Interns may opt to find their own housing and live independently. Daily expenses, including food, are the responsibility of each intern, though meal plans at Hampshire College will be available for advance purchase. We recommend bringing a car or a bicycle if you have one. For those who don't have transportation, shuttle bus service is available to the other four college campuses in the area and to nearby towns and malls.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, you need to submit an online application, found here at the YiddishSummer.org site. In addition, two academic letters of recommendation and transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate courses and grades must be sent by mail.

DEADLINE:
All online application forms must be received by February 2, 2009. All mailed-in supporting materials must be postmarked February 2, 2009 and be received by February 9, 2009 to be considered for this year's program. Finalists for the internship will be contacted for telephone interviews in early March and accepted interns will be contacted by April 1. The Center is an equal opportunity employer, and selections will be made without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. Feel free to E-MAIL us any questions you may have.

COWL JEWISH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
Thanks to the generosity of Ruthe B. Cowl of Laredo, TX, a long-time friend of the National Yiddish Book Center, two interns will be selected each summer to become Cowl Fellows. As Cowl Fellows they will help implement first-rate Yiddish programming on their own college and university campuses during the academic year.
The National Yiddish Book Center will provide financial support to each Cowl Fellow as well as mentorship in Yiddish programming, event planning, outreach, and publicity.
Full information about the Cowl Jewish Leadership Program, including application and selection guidelines, will be available during the summer internship program.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Greetings from the Office of Experiential Learning.

OEL is pleased to announce School of Arts &Science awards for
NCUR 23.

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) will be held at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, April 16-18, 2009.


The Arts and Sciences Office of Experiential Learning will grant awards to
10 A&S undergraduates to pay for transportation, attendance, and lodging at the conference.

NCUR 23 is open to all disciplines and we encourage everyone to apply. Students may pick one method of presentation for their abstracts. They may choose from oral or poster presentations; performing or visual arts: exhibit with gallery talk and slides, or a performing or visual arts presentation with slides. The research project must have been undertaken at the University of Pittsburgh with a University of Pittsburgh faculty member.


To apply for the A&S funding award, submit your abstract to oel@pitt.edu by noon on Wednesday, November 19, 2008.

Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Thank you,


Sarah Bingler


Information and Events Coordinator
Office of Experiential Learning
School of Arts and Sciences
412.624.5386
bingler@as.pitt.edu

PLEASE CONTACT THE OEL FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON SUBMITTING

Correction on RELGST classes

There are seats in the HIST and CLASS sections of the daytime Varieties of Early Christianity.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Update on RELGST classes

As of 3 pm Monday:

--Philosophy of Religion is closed.
--Mythology in the Ancient World is closed.
--Varieties of Early Christianity (day) is closed.
--Varieties of Early Christianity (evening) is closed to A&S students. Seats are being held for CGS students. If you are an A&S student look for these seats to be released at the end of this semester or the beginning of January.

--History of the Holocaust and Religions of Asia are close to full but still have some seats.

If you are a major and need one of these courses, e-mail me and I will advise you on the options.

Grad School Fair

Information Session--Graduate School Fair
5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
William Pitt Union

Sponsored by: The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs/University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs
Registration: Register at the door, or pre-register at
http://www.apsia.org/apsia/admissions/admissions.php . Registration is free.
Ideal for: Undergraduates, recent graduates, or young professionals seeking a master's degree or Ph.D. to prepare them for a career in the government, nonprofit, international business, or university sectors. All undergraduate majors are appropriate, but the event should be especially interesting for political science, economics, anthropology, foreign language, psychology, social science, international studies, and business majors.
At least 15 graduate schools will be represented from Harvard to U. Calif.
http://www.apsia.org/apsia/admissions/admissions.php
Cost: Free
For more information, contact GSPIA - (412) 648-7640 gspia@pitt.edu
Sponsored by: Ridgway Center for International Security Studies

Scholarships for Language Study

Gilman Awards
Over 1,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities are eligible to apply.
Students who apply for and receive the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad are now eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000. 25 Critical Need Language Supplements were offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients during the 2007-2008 academic year. There will be an increased number of Supplements this academic year.
Critical Need Languages include:

Arabic (all dialects)
Chinese (all dialects)
Turkic (Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgz, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek)
Persian (Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Pashto, Tajiki)
Indic (Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Sindhi)
Korean
Russian
This congressionally funded program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Institute of International Education -- Southern Regional Center in Houston, Texas. http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html


Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA)
For more information visit http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/casa/.

SMART and Academic Competitiveness Grants
http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0606.html


Study Abroad Language Scholarships
National Security Education Program: Boren Scholarships
http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/default.htm
Austrian American Educational Commission Teaching Assistantship
http://www.fullbright.at
French Ministry of Education Teaching Assistantship
http://www.frenchculture.org/a_assistantship-program_195.cfm
Princeton in Asia Teaching Fellows
http://weblamp.princeton.edu/~pia/main/index.php?option=com_frontpage
Spanish Ministry of Education and Science North American Language and Culture Assistants
http://www.mec.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml
Gilman International Scholarship Program
http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html
Freeman-Asia Program
http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-ASIA/
Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html
Morgan Stanley Scholarships for Study in Japan
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/Morgan.html
German Academic Exchange Service
http://www.daad.org/
National Security Internship
www.nationalsecurityinternship.com.
Search by country or field of study
www.studyabroadfunding.org

An Opportunity to Teach English in China

China Teaching Opportunity
FOCUS/OBJECTIVES
If you would like to teach English in China with a team of proven professionals for five months (or longer), the Graduate School, USDA and F&S International may have an opportunity for you. We are looking for college students or already graduated students (those between one and five years post-graduation with a B.A. degree or above) with excellent English language skills to work at elementary/high schools and universities in Dalian, Hangzhou, Beijing and other cities in China. As part of the program, we will provide a basic salary, free housing in modern facilities with Western conveniences, free Chinese lessons and an international travel bonus.
PARTICIPANTS:
Thirty (30) college, recently graduated university-level students, or adults with TESOL or teaching-related experience and strong English skills
DATES:
Five (5) months minimum (renewable once for a total of 10 months) – March 1, 2009 through July 15, 2009 or September 1, 2009 through January 15, 2010
Ten (10) months from March 1, 2009 through December 30, 2009 or September 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
BENEFITS:
Basic salary of RMB 4000 per month (equivalent to USD 570); round-trip international airfare bonus (USD 500 – paid at the completion of program period of 5 months, or USD 1000 for 10 months); airport pick-up and ground travel assistance if necessary; free accommodation on or off campus in the form of a furnished flat with one bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom (24 hour hot water shower, TV, telephone, internet, bed, etc. Occupant will have to pay utilities, which should be no more than RMB 500.) A program for 10 months includes 2-3 weeks free to travel around China and free Mandarin lessons by native speakers.
INSURANCE:
The interns will be covered by a basic accident and sickness insurance through the Graduate School, USDA during the duration of their stay. The intern will receive an insurance card and booklet detailing the coverage before departing from the United States.
LANGUAGE:
Applicants need not know Chinese or to have taken Chinese classes. EFL and English majors are encouraged to apply. Those with majors in other subjects, such as social sciences, are also welcome to submit an application.
DEADLINE:
November 30, 2008 for spring placement, and March 30, 2009 for fall placement for spring and fall placement, postmarked.
Rolling selection policy - Priority will be given to those who apply by the above deadline. Applications for the September start date only will be accepted after the deadline up until May 15, 2009. Please submit applications with all sections (main application, letters of reference, and official transcript) in one package. Letters of reference should be in a sealed envelope signed over the flap by the reference. References should comment on applicant’s teaching ability and international/cultural experiences, and suitability for the assignment. Teachers must apply 4-6 months in advance of their desired program. We will confirm the offers 3 months before the starting date. Teachers are required to arrive 1-2 weeks earlier for Orientation and training in China.
Interested applicants should e-mail Colin Fink at Colin_Fink@grad.usda.gov for a copy of the Chinese Internship Application and submit the entire application package (application, two references, copy of passport and transcripts) to: International Institute, Graduate School, USDA, Attn: China Internship Program, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 320, Washington, DC 20024-2520.

In case of conflict, Peoplesoft

If there is a conflict in information between Peoplesoft and the A&S Course Descriptions page, you should assume that Peoplesoft has the correct information.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Senior Presentations in Religious Studies 1903

Dear majors, especially juniors:

You are cordially invited to attend one or more of the upcoming Religious Studies 1903 classes (on November 5, 12, 19 or December 3, 3-5:25 pm) to hear presentations by your fellow majors on their research projects for Religious Studies 1903. This is a nice way to support your colleagues, find out what lies in store for you next year or the year after, and learn something interesting.

The theme of this semester's 1903 seminar is Religious Authority. (We will announce the theme for next fall once we have worked out the fall schedule.) Each senior has chosen a research project based on his or her interests that in some way addresses questions of religious authority.

Here is the schedule of presentations:

University of Pittsburgh, Department of Religious Studies
RELGST 1903, Directed Research Capstone Seminar, Fall 2008
presents a

Research Colloquium on

RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY

Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, and December 5, 3-5 pm
2628 Cathedral of Learning

November 5, 2008
Authority and the Church: The Formations of Orthodoxies and Heterodoxies
Joshua T. Bryant, "The Tertullian Method: Heresy vs. Orthodoxy"
Adam J. Kear, "Fidelities Divided: Tradition and Magisterium in the Society of St. Pius"
Laura A. McGee, "Papal Primacy vs. Papal Jurisdiction: Contemporary Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Perspectives on a Historically Schismatic Issue"
John M. Schmidt, "Sex and the Second Century Christian"

November 12, 2008
The Dynamics of Individuals as Authorities
Luke S. Coryea, "Komensky and Zinzendorf: The Life and Rebirth of the Moravian Brethren"
Justin H. Jacobs, "Changing Minds in Changing Times: Herman Hailperin as the Modern Rabbi"
Lindsey R. Myers, "From Aristotle to Thecla: The Effect of Physiology on Female Authority"
Carrie E. Wilson, "Greek Gentile Turned Religious Authority: The Image of Aristotle to Jewish Philosophers"

November 19, 2008
Religion, Ideology, and the State
Lauren Alexander, "Priestly Control and the Attainability of the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt"
Sarah A. Murison, "Catholic Authority in China: The Vatican and the Chinese Communist Party"
Jason A. Saltzman, "The Ideological Authority of National Socialism and its Primary Role in the Attempted Eradication of European Jewry"
Kyle M. Yeversky, "Church and Empire: The Impact of the Religion and Politics of Constantine I"

December 5, 2008
Dynamics of Tradition and Change
Kaan Buyuksarac, "Caring for the Dead: The Buddhist Death Rituals of China"
Joseph R. Clark, "Gnostic Concepts of Secrecy and Authority through a Japanese Esoteric Buddhist Framework"
Erin L. Dragan, "Becoming Part of It: Navajo and Iroquois Religious Authority in Changing Times"
Clarisse R. Wells, "How Do We Move Forward? Sexuality and Ethics in the Black Church"

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Monitored Withdrawal Deadline

The deadline to withdraw from a class--with permission of the Dean's office--resulting in a grade of "W" on the transcript and no credit is this Friday October 24.

Department Colloquium next week

Department of Religious Studies
Colloquium

Professor Mohammed Bamyeh,
Department of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh

"The Hermeneutic Revolution in Contemporary Islam"

Wednesday,
October 29, 2008
Noon, 2628 Cathedral of Learning



Dr. Bamyeh's most recent books include Of Death and Dominion: The Existential Foundations of Governance (Northwestern University Press, 2007) and The Ends of Globalization (University of Minnesota Press, 2000). His The Social Origins of Islam: Mind, Economy, Discourse (University of Minnesota Press, 1999) won a 1999 Middle East Studies Association’s Albert Hourani Book Award, Honorable Mention. He is currently working on a manuscript entitled "Anarchy and Civil Society." Prior to coming to Pitt, Dr. Bamyeh was the Hubert H. Humphrey Distinguished Visiting Professor of International Studies at Macalaster College (2003-2007).

Bring a bag lunch; the department will provide coffee and cookies.

Interested in a Media or Communications Internship?

Go here for information on a panel discussion October 27 that might interest you.

Monday, October 20, 2008

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES FOR SPRING 2009 TIMETABLE FORMAT

Oct 20: Lecture on Muslim Youth in America

Lecture by Imam Zaid Shakir on Monday, Oct 20th ******************************************************************************************



Islamic Center of North Pittsburgh in association with Muslim Students Association of University Of Pittsburgh cordially invites you to a lecture by Imam Zaid Shakir on Monday, October 20th. It is a great opportunity for everyone as he is one of the most respected and influential Islamic scholars in America.



Topic: Role Of Muslim Youth and Mosque in Building a Better America

Date / Time: Monday, October 20th at 7:00 pm

Location: 120 David Lawrence Hall, Univ. Of Pittsburgh, 3942 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - 15213

Entrance Fee: Admission IS FREE



For more details, about this event, please visit ICNP's website www.icnpgh.org.
Also here is the link to the facebook event page posted by PittMSA: http://www.facebook .com/home. php#/event. php?eid=30930511 234.

Please spread the word about this event.


Thank You,
ICNP Communication
www.icnpgh.org

Nov 3: Reading by Sabiha Al Khemir

November 3, 2008
Reading by Sabiha Al Khemir

Carnegie Library Presents: Sabiha Al Khemir, PhD, author of The Blue Manuscript. November 3 2008. 7 PM. Free and open to the public. Dr. Al Khemir will read from her book and use her personal experiences and academic expertise to discuss the timely topic of cultural bridging between the East and the West. Copies of Dr. Al Khemir's newest book, The Blue Manuscript (Verso 2008) will be available for sale after the lecture.


Sabiha Al Khemir was born in Tunisia and received her M.A. (with distinction) and Ph.D in Islamic Art history and Archaeology from London University. She was a post Doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and has lectured world-wide on Islamic art and culture. She has taught Islamic art at the British Museum, London and has worked as a consultant. She was the founding director of The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar.


She is a writer and artist and her published work includes fiction: 'Waiting in the Future for the Past to Come'(1993), 'The Absent Mirror'(2005) and 'The Blue Manuscript' (2008); cultural essays: 'Mobile Identity and the Focal Distance of Memory' (2004); several publications on Islamic Art, including an essay in "Al Andalus - Islamic Arts of Spain' to accompany the exhibition at the Alhambra and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1992), 'Figures and Figurines from the 7th to the 19th Centuries'; and a catalogue to accompany an Islamic Art exhibition at the Louvre,'From Cordoba to Samarqand'(2006).

Her own art work has appeared in several publications; she fully illustrated 'The Island of Animals' (Quartet Books, London 1994) and several book covers, including Naguib Nahfouz's novel 'Respected Sir'. Her drawings have toured in several exhibitions including, 'Forces of Change' (U.S.A. 1994-95) and 'Dialogue of the Present' (U.K 1999-2000).

She has also written and presented television documentaries.

For more information about this event or the events on October 22 or October 29 listed below, contact:
Elaine E. Linn
Assistant Director, Global Studies Program
University Center for International Studies
4102 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
Tel: 412 648-2113
Fax: 412 624-4672

October 29: Lecture: Are Americans Obsessed with Islam

October 29, 2008
Are Americans Obsessed with Islam? A public talk on October 29, 2008 7:00 PM, Soldiers and Sailors Hall, 4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh. Free and open to the public. Raeek Tayeh is author of “A Muslim’s Guide to American Politics and Government” and the host of talk show “Extremism: A discussion Long Overdue”. He is an independent political and media consultant and has been on the O’Reilly Factor, Hardball with Chris Mathews, CNN’s Diplomatic License, and Al Jazeera’s From Washington. Sponsored by the Islamic Council of Greater Pittsburgh, Thomas Merton Center, MSAs at Pitt and CMU.

Oct 22: Film Screening "City of Lights"

October 22, 2008
Film Screening: City of Lights and interfaith panel. 1500 Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh at 7:00 on Wednesday, October 22nd. Refreshments served

The organizers of YMCA's Moderate Voices for Progress Program (a delegation of young Jewish, Muslim, Christian professionals from Israel/Palestine currently in Pittsburgh) invite you to attend a screening of the documentary "City of Lights", which has a focus on the co-existence of the three Abrahamic faiths in Spain for over 800 years.

After the film there will be a interfaith panel with local clergy and members of the three Abrahamic traditions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam discussing how their respective religious doctrines view the “other” within a historical context and in today’s world. After the panel there will be time for Q & As.

Oct 27: Lecture on the "European Genizah"

Monday, OCTOBER 27th at 4:00
Cathedral of Learning Room 501

MAURO PERANI (University of Bologna)

“What is the ‘European Genizah’? A Survey of Hebrew Manuscript Discoveries in Italy and Spain and their Importance for Jewish Studies”

In the last twenty-five years a growing interest has been aroused in the academic and scientific world by the discovery of thousands of medieval Hebrew manuscript fragments re-used to bind books and registers in European archives and libraries, particularly in Italy and Spain. A true Genizah preserves sacred texts from profanation, while this “European Genizah”
emerges from the destruction of books without regard for their content, yet both practices return old Hebrew manuscripts or printed books to our hands.
This lecture offers an updated survey of the quantity, content and quality of these materials, and describes the most important discoveries among these fragments, including important texts by Joseph ben Shimon Kara, a contemporary of Rashi, and fragments testifying to 160 manuscripts of the Talmud bavli and Yerushalmi otherwise lost.

Professor Perani is currently a Padnos Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Frankel Institute for Judaic Studies (University of Michigan). He has been Director of The Italian Genizah Project since 1992, and his recent publications include Talmudic and Midrashic Fragments from the ‘Italian
Genizah’: Reunification of Manuscripts and Catalogue (Giuntina, 2004).

Co-Sponsored by the Jewish Studies Program, the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program, and the Departments of Religious Studies and French and Italian.

October 23: Information Session on Study in Japan

10/23 Information Session--JET: Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Information Session

4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
4130 Wesley W. Posvar Hall

Meet four former JET participants and learn more about teaching English in Japan. This is a general information session for anyone interested in participating in the program after graduation - applicants up to age 40 are allowed! Applications for 2009 are due November 25, 2008 - please visit www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JETProgram/application.html.
Audience: Open to all interested students
Sponsored by: Asian Studies Center
For more information, contact Jennifer Murawski - jennm@pitt.edu
 

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