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Let’s Talk About It September 17 — December 10, 2013
5 Books, 5 Scholars, 5 Discussions, 1 Film Program Guide Henry Ford Centennial Library 16301 Michigan Avenue (313) 943-2330
www.dearbornlibrary.org
Muslim Journeys, Connected Histories What was happening in Asia and North Africa while much of Europe was languishing in the Dark Ages? You might be surprised to learn that it was a time of adventure, discovery, innovation, and cross-cultural interaction. Come and explore 1,000 years of history from East to West during the first global age. Local scholars will lead discussions on five specially-selected books about this sometimes overlooked, but vibrant, time in world history. You are invited to read the books and join the discussions — FREE. The discussions are scheduled approximately three weeks apart to give you time to read each book. To receive the books and other program materials, please register in person at the Adult Reference Desk at Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn. All events will be held at Henry Ford Centennial Library, unless otherwise indicated. For more information, please call 313-943-2330 or visit www.dearbornlibrary.org
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 7 p.m. Reorient your understanding of the past as Stewart Gordon, Senior Research Scholar for the Center of South Asian Studies at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads a discussion on his book When Asia Was the World. Registration begins August 26.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 7 p.m. Explore the foundations of modern science in 9th century Baghdad as Rayne Allinson, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn leads a discussion on the book House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance. Registration begins September 16.
Blockbusters Free Film Series Monday, October 14, 2013 7 p.m. Every year, about one hundred of Islam’s best young students from around the world come to Cairo for the International Holy Koran Competition. Koran by Heart follows three young scholars, a girl and two boys, all ten years old, as they compete against students who, in some instances, are nearly twice their age. FREE, registration not required.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 7 p.m. Learn how Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together peacefully for eight glorious centuries as Imran Aijaz, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn leads a discussion on the book Ornament of the World. Registration begins October 7.
Saturday, November 9, 2013 2 p.m. Another chance to see Greg Barker’s moving film, Koran by Heart, followed by a scholar-led discussion. This screening will be held at:
Arab American National Museum 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn FREE
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7 p.m. Meet Hasan al-Wassan, also known as Leo of Africa, a 16th century Muslim diplomat sold into slavery as Camron Amin, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn leads a discussion on the book Leo Africanus. Registration begins October 28.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7 p.m. Meet a 12th century Jewish merchant whose life story was preserved in personal letters discovered in a medieval Egyptian synagogue as Andrew Shryock, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads a discussion on the book In an Antique Land. Registration begins November 18.
Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys, a reading and discussion series, has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association. This program is funded in part by Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.