Outreach: Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies: Indiana University

Outreach

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program develops, plans, and implements outreach programs which support and encourage academic and social interest in the Middle East, its culture and its people. Through educational initiatives in conjunction with Indiana University partners such as the International Outreach Council, the Center for the Study of Global Change and varied academic departments, the program identifies and coordinates guest speakers for audiences ranging from area schools and community organizations to the broader general public. The program serves as a resource to K–12 teachers by identifying curriculum resources, developing classroom lesson packets and enrichment activities, and offering teacher training workshops. The program has partnered with Lotus Blossoms to bring hands-on demonstrations to elementary aged children, delivers a monthly Arabic story hour for local preschoolers and initiated the Alef Ba program, an on-going series of weekly bilingual language activities delivered by the Monroe Public Library. The Middle East Arts Festival, presented yearly each Spring, celebrates the multicultural diversity of the region’s art, music and cultural traditions and customs. In addition to organizing lectures, events, exhibitions, and programs, MEISP regularly hosts visiting international delegations. Such visits offer rich opportunities for cultural exchange between students and faculty of the university and members of the larger community. Bringing people together in a climate of mutual respect and dialogue furthers the program’s mission to generate greater understanding and tolerance of cultural difference.

For a complete calendar of MEIS Outreach events, please see our Community Outreach Events page.