Islam 101 one of many means of promoting diverse understanding
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A university is often called a marketplace of ideas. Every school year brings a fresh wave of students and, with it, a fresh blend of political ideas, social expectations, academic interests and religious zeal.
To promote understanding and develop well-informed students, Grand Valley State University offers courses and programs for most — if not all — measures of diversity.
Religious thought is no exception, and many students have taken advantage of the religious studies resources to increase their interfaith competence.
Philip Batty of Institutional Analysis said 15.3 percent of current undergraduate students have taken at least one of GVSU’s courses that qualify for the religious studies major, and an additional 2 percent have transferred the equivalents to those courses from other schools.
The university is not solely responsible for spreading understanding, though. Student groups such as the Muslim Student Association devote time to spreading awareness of their faith and campaigning for understanding.
The MSA hosted Kamal Nurridin, a member of the local Islamic community, Feb. 25 to lead a lecture called “Islam 101,” which was the first event of the annual Muslim Awareness Week.
“When I was asked to give this presentation, a note rang in my heart that this was a good presentation to give because, far too often, the general population doesn’t understand who the Muslims are, what they’re about and what they believe in,” Nurridin said.
The speaker discussed the core beliefs, scripture and history of Islam, as well as how people can become Muslim.
Continuing the week of awareness, GVSU professor Sebastian Maisel delivered a lecture Feb. 26 on the spread of Islam through Asia, and chief editor of Azizah Magazine Tayyibah Taylor will discuss the roles and rights of women in Islam on Feb. 28.
The MSA does not stop its efforts at educating the public through pointed lectures, though. The group spreads their faith through poetry Feb. 27 and will host Muslim stand-up comedian Aman Ali on March 1.
University organizations and departments host other faith-based weeks throughout the year, as well as cultural acknowledgements such as the concluding Black History Month and Asian-Pacific Islander Month.
To learn more about faith, culture or other forms of diversity, see what courses GVSU offers in the online course catalog, or scroll the diversity groups on OrgSync.
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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