Archive for February, 2015

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

WorldMontana® Looking for Host Families

WorldMontana®  Looking for Host Families

WorldMontana® will be hosting international visitors and will be looking for host families and partners. We expect international visitors from all over the world to visit Montana and need your help. Hosting would be a great way to experience another culture and engage in citizen diplomacy.

If you are interested in partnering with WorldMontana®,contact ellen@worldmontana.org. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for helping international visitors experience Montana hospitality.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Perspectives of Islam

“Perspectives on Islam”

Professor Samir Bitar, University of Montana, presenter

 

Friday evening, Feb 27, 7 pm;   Saturday morning, Feb 28, 10:00 am.

Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S. Oakes, Helena, MT

Sponsors:  Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau, Plymouth Congregational Church

Plymouth Congregational Church, will host a Humanities Montana Speakers Bureau program on inter-cultural relations between the Middle East and the West. The speaker will be Professor Samir Bitar of the University of Montana. Friday evening February 27 at 7:00 pm Professor Bitar will talk about “Perspectives on Islam: a personal view on being a Palestinian Muslim in Montana.” Saturday morning, February 28 from 10:00 am until noon the program will focus on “The Arab Spring: Causes and Consequences.” A question and answer time will be included in both sessions.

Following the Saturday presentation those who wish will gather at 12:30 pm in The Mediterranean Grill for a conversational luncheon. Pre-registration and payment of $12 fee are required for this luncheon. Reservations may be made by calling the Plymouth office at 406-442-9883.

A table will be set up with books for sale and short articles available for free.

Life in Muslim societies is an intersection of religious, social, cultural, and political realities. Thus for one to develop a well-rounded understanding of Muslims, their perspectives, and aspirations one must look at all the dimensions of Muslim life. For that purpose, literature can provide a valuable lens to view the Muslim societies. Bitar uses literature, film, and other resources to familiarize audiences with the heritage of Islamic civilizations around the globe and the religion of Islam. Some publications will be available at the church for your interest.

Bitar is professor of Arabic language and cultures at The University of Montana. A native Palestinian, whose extended family still resides in East Jerusalem, Professor Bitar came to Havre, Montana when he was sixteen to attend college. He has been teaching at The University of Montana since 1999, offering instruction in Arabic and an introductory course on Arabic poetry and literature. He has a master’s degree in linguistics, teaching methods and cultural geography. He has also lived and worked as an engineer in a number of Arab countries. As a part of his association with Humanities Montana, Professor Bitar has traveled around the state to make presentations to local civic and church groups as well as to train the Montana National Guard in essential Arabic language and culture.

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For further information contact Ed Stevenson, 406-438-1295 or epshmt@gmail.com or the secretary at the Plymouth church office, 406-442-9883.

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