Schedule & Readings
The institute’s approach is a broad one, introducing the richness and diversity of Muslim cultures. We will offer a survey of the role of the word—written, spoken, sung, and illuminated across many societies, rather than a detailed study of any one culture in which Islam is the dominant religion. Following is an overview of the institute.
UPDATED SCHEDULE COMING SOON
Sunday, July 15 at New York University (NYU)
Welcome reception and dinner at the Hagop Kevorkian Center at NYU
Monday, July 16 at NYU; Islamic Cultural Center
Introductory session with an overview of the institute with City Lore and Poets House staff
Lecture: “The Language of the Qur’an and Its Influence on Literature” by Dr. Shawkat Toorawa, Yale University
Teachers’ content discussion with Dr. Toorawa and City Lore staff
Excursion: A Tour of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York and discussion with Imam Chernor Saad Jalloh
Lecture: “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty: On the Importance of Art and Culture in Teaching Muslim American History” with Dr. Zain Abdullah, Temple University
Tuesday, July 17 at NYU
Lecture: “The Sufi Strain in Classical and Modern Arabic Poetry” with Dr. Muhsin al- Musawi, Columbia University
Teachers’ content discussion with Dr. al-Musawi and City Lore staff
Seminar: “Bridging Cultural Terrains through the Prism of Islamic Calligraphy” with artist Mitra Dejkameh, Queens Museum
Classroom Connections with City Lore staff
Full Institute Calendar
Institute Readings
Prepatory readings for the institute: Key readings for the institute include short articles and poems selected by the faculty and made available to accepted Summer Scholars through our password-protected participant portal: