Perspectives on Ethics from the Middle East at UM-Flint

Zarqa Nawaz, creator of the hit CBC sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie

"Big Laughs on the Prairie" will be one of the speakers in a unique lecture series at the University of Michigan-Flint aimed at broadening world-views and providing a public forum that promotes understanding and dialogue between different ethical and belief systems and cultures. Her presentation will be Monday, December 3, 2 p.m. in the University of Michigan-Flint Theatre.

Nawaz will discuss her experiences as creator of the sitcom, specifically; the creative process involved in presenting such a unique show that is so widely appealing and deals with intercultural issues in a fun and entertaining way.

The UM-Flint "Middle Eastern" Studies Program received a grant to organize the lecture series for the Ethics in Public Life Initiative sponsored by the University of Michigan Office of the President. Perspectives on Ethics from the "Middle East" focuses on current and emerging issues in ethics that relate to the "Middle East" and its Islamic cultures, and it brings to the Flint campus internationally-recognized experts to address these ethical concerns. It is also designed to engage the campus and community in an ongoing conversation that leads to positive actions and collaborations.

The first speaker in the series was Juan R. Cole, professor of history, University of Michigan. His presentation was on "The United States, Military Occupations in the Middle East, and the Geneva Conventions"

Additional presentations are planned for early 2008.

All events are free and open to the public. For additional information please contact Jamile Lawand, "Middle Eastern" Studies Program, 810-762-3370.