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Outreach
MESC makes a major contribution to Middle East studies and international education
outreach on the state, regional, and national levels. In its outreach program,
MESC strives to provide activities that have high educational value, reflect
campus and community collaboration, and are accessible to students, faculty,
and community members with a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
PSU's motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the City", relates directly to
the University's substantial commitment of time and resources to MESC's outreach
program. In recognition of the significant impact of its outreach work, MESC
received a 2003 PSU Civic Engagement Award, significant as PSU is ranked third
nationally in service learning.
MESC outreach to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, business, media,
and the general public includes public programs and cultural events; the MESC
Resource Library; referral of speakers on Middle East topics; programs and services
for K-12 schools, teachers, and students; and networking and collaboration with
other educational institutions and organizations.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
MESC sponsors and co-sponsors lectures by visiting and local speakers, academic
conferences, and seminars on a wide range of Middle East-related topics throughout
the year. In addition, many PSU faculty with Middle East specialization share
their expertise by speaking at local, regional, national and international programs
and conferences. MESC outreach also includes musical concerts, film showings,
dance performances, and art exhibits.
Highlights of these public programs include annual events such as the Iranian
Festival, film sponsorship during the Portland International Film Festival,
the Contemporary Turkish Studies Distinguished Lecture, and the Northwest Regional
Middle East Seminar. MESC co-sponsors lectures year-round with the American
Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter, and academic events such as the Berbers
and other North African Minorities International Conference and U.S.-Saudi Relations
Symposium.
MESC OUTREACH EVENTS THIS TERM
Events This Term
Oregon Middle East Consortium Monthly Calendar of Upcoming
Middle East Events
Also see the PSU's Judaic Studies Program
Calendar of Events
MESC RESOURCE LIBRARY
MESC has an extensive lending library of curriculum materials, teaching resources,
books for K-12 students, and videos and DVDs on many aspects of the Middle East.
Lists of resources on particular topics and a list of videos and DVDs are available
from MESC.
The MESC Resource Library is housed at the Global and Multicultural and Resource
Center (GMRC), 1950 SW 6th Ave., Room 121, Portland, on the PSU campus. GMRC
usually is open 1:30-5:00, Tuesday-Friday, however it is recommended to call
ahead to make sure it is open, (503) 725-8191. MESC's resources can be borrowed
at no cost. In addition to the MESC collection, Culture Boxes on many Middle
Eastern countries and topics such as Islam or Judaism can be borrowed for a
moderate fee from GMRC.
REFERRAL OF SPEAKERS ON MIDDLE EAST TOPICS
Referral of speakers on Middle East-related topics. Please plan at least two
weeks in advance and be prepared to assist with transportation, if needed. To
make a request, please call (503) 725-4074, or download the request
form and fax or mail to MESC.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR K-12 SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS
- Workshops for educators on Middle East topics, for example, "Middle
East Oil and Water",
- Ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran", "Teaching About the Middle
East Through
Folktales and Literature."
- Assistance with planning in-school Middle East-related events.
- Curriculum development on Middle East-related topics, for example, Images
of Saudi
Arabia; Iraq: From Culture to Conflict with Mercy Corps; Cities of the Middle
East;
Turkey at the Crossroads.
- Week-end Armenian and Persian language classes for K-12 students.
- Programs for high school students--internships, Arabic language classes.
COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING
MESC collaborates with other organizations by sharing resources and by developing
linkages among campus and community members with background and interest in
the Middle East. It provides information about national resources and organizations
to the local community. These connections strengthen MESC's offerings and ability
to provide service and high-quality programs. This involves working with and
accessing the resources of:
- Community organizations with Middle East-related programs.
- Ethnic and faith communities, for example:
- Education community--school districts and state, regional, and national
organizations that are involved with Middle East-related programs and curriculum
development, for example:
- Colleges and universities offering Middle East programs and resources, for
example:
- National network of Middle East outreach organizations
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