In our current political climate, no one can underestimate the importance of learning more about Islam. Yet, many misconceptions from the past live on today. University of Michigan professor Barbara D. Metcalf spoke on Saturday, Sept. 27, about this subject as the keynote speaker for the the 2008 New York Conference on Asian Studies. Her talk, titled "Telling The Story of Islam in Asia: Reflections on Teleologies and Timelessness," used the work of several older sources to illustrate many of the ideas that continue to affect our perception of Islam. For example, Metcalf referenced a common belief that "Arab" and "Islam" are considered identical terms. She explained that Arabs represent a minority of the world's population of Muslims and that not all Arabs are believers in Islam.
Metcalf has authored several books on Islam and India including A Concise History of India written with her husband Thomas R. Metcalf. The New York Conference on Asian Studies was a two-day conference held at Hamilton that attracted international scholars who participated in lectures, panels and roundtable discussions.
- by Greg Huffaker '09
Metcalf has authored several books on Islam and India including A Concise History of India written with her husband Thomas R. Metcalf. The New York Conference on Asian Studies was a two-day conference held at Hamilton that attracted international scholars who participated in lectures, panels and roundtable discussions.
- by Greg Huffaker '09
