The past decade has seen the rapid expansion of Islamic studies curricula at U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities; our institutions now offer an unprecedented number of courses on Islam, and our faculty include dozens of Islamic studies specialists. In addition, several major news outlets have recently noted the increasing enrollments of Muslim students at our institutions. Given this marked growth, the moment is ripe for deeper reflection on Jesuit education’s relationship to Islam and Muslims.
Islam at U.S. Jesuit Colleges and Universities will examine the evolution of the mission, objectives, and identity of our colleges and universities in light of the expansion of the study of Islam and the growing presence of Muslims on our campuses. The two major goals of the conference are to:
- Bring together faculty and staff working on issues of Islam, Muslims, and Christian-Muslim relations at Jesuit colleges and universities across the country
- Address concerns of diversity, interreligious engagement, institutional mission and identity, scholarship, and teaching in relation to Islamic studies and Muslim populations at our institutions
While the focus of discussions will be Jesuit institutions, the conference is also relevant to faculty and staff from all Catholic and other Christian-affiliated colleges and universities.
Keynote Speakers:
Thomas Michel, S.J., Georgetown University
Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount University
Roundtable Speakers:
Jesuit History, Mission, and Identity: Patrick Ryan, S.J., Daniel Madigan, S.J., John Borelli, Paul Shore
Comparative Theology and Scholarship: Yvonne Haddad, Jack Renard, Irfan Omar, Umeyye Isra Yazicioglu
Teaching, Curricula, and Educational Resources: Marcia Hermansen, Jim Morris, Kathryn Kueny, Martin Nguyen
Student Life, Community Outreach, and International Networks: Yahya Hendi, Achmat Salie, Zeki Saritoprak, Maria de la Luz Santana
The cost of the conference is $150 and includes meals.