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: