Arab and American Identities: in Tension & Cooperation
2008 Exploration Seminar in Cyprus

Program Director: Arzoo Osanloo ~ Anthropology and Law, Societies & Justice
Dates of Instruction: Dates: August 18-29, 2008

>> CYPRUS INFO SESSION on WED FEB 20, at 4pm in SCHMITZ 459

Gain a better understanding of "American" and "Arab" identities and their mutual perceptions and misperceptions, during a ten-day seminar to Cyprus during Early Fall Start 2007. Preliminary discussions will introduce students to a range of different perspectives - preparing them for their trip to Cyprus.

The island, historically a meeting place for political players from the Mediterranean and Middle East, will serve as the location for students for the University of Washington and the American University of Cairo to engage in dialogue, share ideas, and confront perceptions. Classes will use literary and critical texts to examine the ways that ideas of national, ethnic and other forms of identity inform and are informed by constructions of "the other," the role of history and memory in current conflicts, and the broad range of possibilities for communication, empathy, healing and reconciliation.

Optional trips to Beirut and Cairo will be offered upon completion of the seminar, pending a secure political situation in the region (conferring with embassies in Lebanon and Egypt before finalizing these plans).

Participants will earn 5 credits of CHID 471 Europe Study Abroad (I&S). Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student costs:  
$Program Fee TBA (about $2000)
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: Round trip travel to Cyprus, course materials, some meals, health insurance and personal spending money.

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