Clarksville, Ark. --- Lebanese scholar Dr. Oussama Arabi will spend six weeks at the University of the Ozarks as a visiting Islamic professor to teach classes and to lead public seminars to promote a deeper understanding of Muslim cultures.
Dr. Arabi earned his Ph.D. at the Sorbonne in Paris after earning his undergraduate degree from the American University of Beirut. In addition to teaching courses at the university, Dr. Arabi will be leading a series of weekly lectures and discussions titled “Exploring Islam” for the community. The class will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Feb. 7 through March 7, in the Rowntree Recital Hall in the Walton Fine Arts Center. The class is free and the public is invited to attend. The “Exploring Islam” class will include such topics as: The rise of Islam and its basic articles of faith, contemporary Islam: the religious and legal aspects, The Qur?nic view of the soul, and the Islamic view of Jesus. Dr. Arabi is also available to speak to civic clubs and other organizations in the community. “Dr. Arabi is willing to speak more personally and informally about his own interesting background, experiences, culture, faith, etc.,” said Ginny Sain, director of the university’s community service program. “This is a really unique opportunity for us to come to a greater understanding of the traditions, history, culture, and beliefs that have shaped the Muslim world.” For more information on the class or scheduling Dr. Arabi for an organization during his time at Ozarks, please contact Sain at 479-979-1346 or gsain@ozarks.edu.
Topics: Interfaith Studies