Seminars: Islam and religious freedom

Witherspoon Institute

ISLAM AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SEMINAR

July 25 – 30, 2010 in Princeton, NJ



Seminar Overview
What is religious freedom?
Is religious freedom essential for or inimical to Islam?
What are the implications of religious freedom for individual fidelity and for faith communities?
What do the Quran, Hadith, and Muslim scholars – past and present— say about religious freedom?



The Islam and Religious Freedom Seminar is a week-long program for graduate students and professionals in Islam-related fields of study and work. In a small seminar setting, led by scholars, religious leaders, and experienced policy makers, participants will explore the intersection of Islam and religious freedom. This will include Muslim perspectives on faith and religious freedom, U.S. government policies on religious freedom abroad, modern social science research about the relationship of religious freedom to societal and individual well being, and perspectives on religious freedom in philosophy and among other faiths. The seminar will address religious freedom issues facing Muslim minorities, Muslim dissenters in Muslim-majority areas, and non-Muslims living in Muslim-majority areas. Also we will consider proselytization, conversion, apostasy, and blasphemy. Participation in the seminar will include completing preparatory reading, attending lectures, and participation in discussions.


Seminar Director: Jennifer Bryson, Director, Islam and Civil Society Project, The Witherspoon Institute
Seminar Leaders:
· Thomas Farr, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
· Abdullah Saeed, University of Melbourne
· Asma Uddin, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
Guest Speakers:
· Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Zaytuna Institute
· Robert George, Princeton University
· Paul Marshall, Hudson Institute

Location and Accommodations

The seminar will take place July 25-30, 2010 on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Participants will reside and eat on campus; halal meals will be available.


Application
The seminar is open to graduate students or professionals in Islam-related fields. If accepted, a seminar registration fee -- $100 for students, $300 for non-students -- will be required. The seminar will provide room, board, and seminar materials. Travel expenses are not included. A limited number of travel scholarships will be available. To apply, please send the following by April 1, 2010 via e-mail to islamproject@winst.org. Applicants can expect to be notified of admission decisions no later than April 15, 2010.

1. A 500-word letter explaining your interests and experience related to the seminar topic.

2. Resume, including full name, dates of graduation, postal address, e-mail, and phone number.

3. A recommendation from a professor or supervisor.


Seminar website:
http://www.winst.org/ethics_and_university/seminars/islam/index.php