Gala Event with Harvard Professor Ali Asani

The Harvard Club of Dallas invites members of the Wharton Club of DFW to a Harvard professor presentation and discussion.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS LITERACY: THE CASE OF ISLAM

Members of the other DFW Ivy alumni associations will also be in attendance along with members of the World Affairs Council.

Our world is marked by difference. The inability to engage with and understand these differences has led to polarizations, tensions and conflict in many societies. In recent decades, these conflicts have been particularly acute and tragic when they are framed in religious terms. Illiteracy about the nature of religion has led to political climates that are crippling intellectually and threatening to the pluralistic fabric of society. Looking at Islam as a case study, this talk will discuss the importance of promoting literacy about religion as one of the essential pre-requisites for the well-being of societies and the project of democracy globally.

Ali Asani is Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard. He has been particularly active post-Sept 11 in improving public understanding of Islam and its role in Muslim societies. Professor Asani is a recipient of the Petra C. Shattuck prize for excellence in teaching and the Harvard Foundation medal for his outstanding contributions to improving intercultural and race relations by promoting a better understanding of Islam and Muslim Civilizations.

Cost: $35

Registration Fee Includes Program and Passed Hors D'oeuvres **Cash Bar**

Click here to register