The Two Year Initiative on Islam and Other Religions

Visiting Scholars

Hussain Amir

• April 12, 2012
• 1: 5:00 p.m. in Lane's Center for Meeting and Learning, Rm 226
• 2: 2-3:30 p.m. in Lane's Center for Meeting and Learning, Rm 226
• Free and open to the entire community.

1: Building Faith Neighbors Between Muslims and Christians:

Abstract:

Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world, and Muslims and Christians together make up over half of the world. Professor Hussain will talk about interfaith dialogue in both traditions. He will discuss historical interactions, as well as contemporary issues for Christians and Muslims living in North America.

2: (Re)presenting: Images of Muslims in North American films and television:

Abstract:

What are the images of Islam and Muslims that are found in the media? How have those images changed, and are there differences between the images presented in films and those on television? How has the involvement of Muslims in the media affected how they are portrayed? Professor Hussain will discuss these topics, illustrating his remarks with examples from film and television.

Bio:

Dr. Amir Hussain is Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University, the Jesuit university in Los Angeles. He teaches courses on world religions, and specializes in the study of Islam. His academic degrees are all from the University of Toronto where he received a number of awards, including the university's highest award for alumni service. For 2011 to 2015, Amir is the editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, the premier scholarly journal for the study of religion. In 2008, he was appointed a fellow of the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities. Since 2005, Amir has published over 25 book chapters or scholarly articles about Islam and Muslims.