June 17 - 28, 2002
The main concern of this two-week institute sponsored by the African Studies Resource Center was to deal with the issue of conceptions and misconceptions of Islam and Africa. Its objective was to provide information and first hand experience on Islam as a religion and to introduce Islam as a way of life and peaceful expression of culture in Africa. These educational experiences enabled the institute's participants to better understand Islam and Africa so as to better teach these and related topics. Using a multi-faceted approach of methods and teaching that included presentations, demonstration, video illustrations, panel discussions, and hands-on library research, Africanist and Islamist faculty provided the content knowledge of understanding Islam and Africa.
Teacher's Summer Institute 2002 provided teachers and graduate students a unique perspective on Islam and Africa. The institute was recommended for any teacher, K-12 and higher, who teaches about Africa and Islam or who seeks quality information and thought-provoking discussion about many aspects related to Islam and Muslim people in Africa. It was also great for graduate students who who were looking foward to expand their knowledge of Islam
The daily format included an array of learning sessions - talks and panel discussions by KU Africanists and Islamists from other universities, library research time, on line training, and field trips to selected areas around Lawrence related to Islam and Africa. Participants prepared topics and presented them to the participants, they also had opportunities to meet with faculty consultants for content and resource suggestions.
The Institute was supported by funding from the US Department of Education. A number of scholarships were offered to cover tuition fees and other expenses. They were offered to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The closing ceremony was a celebration of African culture, including a festive African dinner, with Northern African music and dance.