Mason Welcomes New Islamic Studies Program Director

B.J. Koubaroulis

2009-10-19T12:57:00Z

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<a href="http://islamicstudies.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">For More Information</a>

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George Mason University welcomes Dr. Cemil Aydin as the new director of its Center for Global Islamic Studies. Aydin joined Mason’s History and Art History Department in the fall of 2009, holding the Endowed IIIT Chair in Islamic Studies, bringing with him years of experience in the fields of history and Middle Eastern studies. Aydin studied at Boğaziçi University, İstanbul University, and the University of Tokyo before receiving his Ph.D. degree at Harvard University in 2002. He was an Academy Scholar at the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, and a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies. Dr. Aydin previously taught at Harvard University, Princeton University, Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Dr. Aydin has published extensively on the international history of the Muslim world and Asia, Orientalism, and global intellectual history. His recent publications include a book, Politics of Anti-Westernism in Asia: Visions of World Order in Pan-Islamic and Pan-Asian Thought (Columbia University Press, 2007), a co-edited volume on “Critiques of the West in Iran, Turkey and Japan” in Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East 26:3 (Fall 2006). Dr. Aydin is currently working on a book manuscript on the intellectual history of the idea of the Muslim World (forthcoming, Harvard University Press). CHSS Recently caught up with Aydin. Here’s what he had to say: CHSS: Why did you come to George Mason? What aspects of the Mason environment drew your interest? AYDIN: For a scholar of Islamic Studies and global history, Mason is now one of the most exciting and attractive campuses in the country. This campus has more than 15 scholars  researching and teaching on issues related to the Muslim world. It is an amazingly diverse campus with a significant Muslim-American student population. Coupled with its key location, I am convinced that Mason will be a major center of scholarship in Islamic studies. Moreover, George Mason’s history department pays close attention to the growing field of world history. After all, Mason Provost Peter Stearns himself is one of the most important scholars of world history in America. These two strengths of Mason in Islamic Studies and world history helped my decision to come here. CHSS: What are your plans for developing the Islamic studies offerings at Mason in the next few years? AYDIN: Together with my colleagues in Islamic studies, we are improving the course offerings in Islamic studies, which we hope will culminate with the establishment of a master’s program in Islamic and Arabic Studies. Personally, I will teach undergraduate courses on Islam in world history and graduate courses in intellectual history of the Muslim world. We are working on improving the number of study abroad programs in universities of different Muslim societies and language offerings. CHSS: What makes Mason a unique place for teaching Islamic studies? AYDIN: George Mason has one of the most diverse campuses in the world. Here, when we teach about the Muslim world, we are not talking about an unfamiliar religious tradition or parts of the world. Every single classroom here has students from Muslim heritage. Moreover, our students come from relatively cosmopolitan backgrounds. Thus, we have an opportunity to move beyond the simple introductory facts and discuss more complex issues related to Islamic tradition and Muslim societies. Our master’s program, which we hope to start in Fall 2011, will help create a more research-oriented culture as well. CHSS: What might draw a prospective student to Islamic studies? AYDIN: Currently, Mason has a fantastic minor program in Islamic studies, with lots of interesting courses offered by leading scholars in their fields. Any student, from any major, can take six rigorous and eye-opening courses on the history, politics, religious tradition, and culture of Muslim societies, and will have a good grasp of this topic. It will prepare students for exciting career opportunities in government and international non-governmental organizations, or help  them enter competitive graduate programs.

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Aydin brings experiences from Istanbul, Tokyo and Harvard to George Mason

George Mason University welcomes Dr. Cemil Aydin as the new director of its Center for Global Islamic Studies. Aydin joined Mason’s History and Art History Department in the fall of 2009, holding the Endowed IIIT Chair in Islamic Studies, bringing with him years of experience in the fields of history and Middle Eastern studies.

Mason Welcomes New Islamic Studies Program Director

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Mason Welcomes New Islamic Studies Program Director

2009-11-06T15:26:05Z

CHSS Staff

2009-08-19T20:06:54Z

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Aug. 25 Panel at National Press Club Will Discuss Immigration, Population, and the Environment

The Center for Immigration Studies sponsored a panel discussion on the environmental consequences of large-scale immigration featuring speakers with a variety of views. The panel was held on Tuesday, August 25, at 9:30 a.m. in the Murrow Room of the National Press Club, 14th and F streets. George Mason University's Director of the Center for Global Ethics Andrew Light participated on the panel.

Andrew Light on Panel at National Press Club

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Andrew Light Appears on Panel

2009-09-06T12:02:02Z

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-19-2009/0005079717&EDATE=

B.J. Koubaroulis

2009-05-22T14:39:32Z

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During convocation ceremonies on May 14 and May 15, thousands of graduating students and onlookers applauded as Debra Bergoffen’s named was announced. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Assistant Dean of Research Matt Zingraff announced Bergoffen as the winner of this year’s David J. King Faculty Teaching Award. Bergoffen, who has received many awards in her 40 years of academic excellence at George Mason, retires as one of the university’s most decorated professors; one who saw the university change in many ways since arriving at Mason in 1971. “Like many women, I did not have the possibility of moving around the country to find the right place for me as my interests changed, for my family was rooted here,” said Bergoffen. “But I did not have to. As I became more interested in teaching innovations, interdisciplinary work and serious research, so did Mason. You might say we grew up together professionally.” A professor of philosophy and former director of Mason’s Women’s Research and Resource Center, Bergoffen has worked within the context of the continental philosophical and multidisciplinary feminist traditions, exploring issues at the intersections of epistemology, ethics and politics. Bergoffen has edited several books and many articles in her area of expertise. Her book, The Philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir: Gendered Phenomenologies, Erotic Generosities details the significance of Beauvoir’s singular philosophical voice and examines the impact of her thinking on contemporary philosophical theory and current feminist thought. She has taught courses in existentialism, phenomenology, and feminist theory, including seminars on various figures in these traditions. “I've known Debra Bergoffen my entire career at George Mason. She has been, through all that time, ever helpful and ever thoughtful,” College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Jack Censer said. “On academic matters, she has listened to my rather theoretically-challenged ideas and brought the reason of a philosopher to help me through my muddle. As far as academic politics goes, she's been a sure guide both ethically and strategically. George Mason will not be the same without Debra Bergoffen.” Bergoffen chaired the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies from 1980-1987, was Director of the Women’s Studies Research and Resource Center from1998-2002. “Whether it's about Simone de Beauvoir or human rights, the fine points of theoretical argument or the give and take of global campaigns for social justice - when Debra talks, people listen,” said Dr. Nancy Weiss Hanrahan, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Women and Gender Studies program. “And hers is always a thoughtful, powerful and deeply compassionate voice.” Bergoffen received George Mason's Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989 and Teaching Excellence Award in 1993. She was CHSS’s Award for Scholarship winner in 2004. Recently, a symposium was held in her honor. The April 16 symposium entitled “Vulnerable Bodies” welcomed speakers from Mason, American University, Aarhus University and George Washington University and examined the vulnerabilities of aging, disabled, intersexed, harmed and raped bodies. “By bringing people together who deal with each of these issues, the symposium will challenge us to think about the body as an issue in itself,” said Bergoffen. “It will, I hope, be the beginning of getting us to think about developing an ethics of the body.”

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I've known Debra Bergoffen my entire career at George Mason. She has been, through all that time, ever helpful and ever thoughtful. On academic matters, she has listened to my rather theoretically-challenged ideas and brought the reason of a philosopher to help me through my muddle. As far as academic politics goes, she's been a sure guide both ethically and strategically. George Mason will not be the same without Debra Bergoffen.

Jack Censer, Dean College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Bergoffen Honored at Convocation

During convocation ceremonies on May 14 and May 15, thousands of graduating students and onlookers applauded as Debra Bergoffen’s named was announced. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Assistant Dean of Research Matt Zingraff announced Bergoffen as the winner of this year’s David J. King Faculty Teaching Award. Bergoffen, who has received many awards in her 40 years of academic excellence at George Mason, retires as one of the university’s most decorated professors; one who saw the university change in many ways since arriving at Mason in 1971.

Bergoffen Retires After 40 years of Impact at Mason

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Bergoffen Retires After 40 years of Impact at Mason

2009-05-22T14:44:54Z

B.J. Koubaroulis

2009-04-08T18:02:00Z

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<a href="http://www.gmu.edu/departments/philosophy/Vulnerable Bodies/Main_page_Vulnerable_bodies_Symposium.html">Click Here</a>

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The Department of Philosophy honors professor Debra Bergoffen with a symposium called “Vulnerable Bodies” – an April 16, 2009 event that examines the vulnerabilities of aging, disabled, intersexed, harmed and raped bodies. Dr. Bergoffen, who is retiring after nearly 40 years at Mason, has spent much of her career in academia exploring the concept of vulnerable bodies. Her research has focused on the dignity of the body and how it informs us and dictates the ways in which we formulate medical practice and social justice policies. “Like many women I did not have the possibility of moving around the country to find the right place for me as my interests changed, for my family was rooted here,” said Bergoffen, who began her career at Mason in 1971. “But I did not have to. As I became more interested in teaching innovations, interdisciplinary work and serious research, so did Mason. You might say we grew up together professionally.” The symposium, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Research 1, Room 163, welcomes speakers from Mason, American University, Aarhus University and George Washington University. There is a guest panel as well. (See below for a complete list of speakers and guest panel). Bergoffen will also be speaking. “I have written my paper for the symposium as my thank you to faculty, students, staff, friends and family who have inspired and supported me,” said Bergoffen. “I expect it to be a great time intellectually and socially.” Sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Women and Gender Studies Program and Cultural Studies Program, the symposium explores the dignity of the body and new paradigms of embodiment. “George Mason's Philosophy Department would not be what it is without Debra Bergoffen,” said Philosophy Department chair Ted Kinnaman. “She helped design our curriculum, create our degree programs and she has provided leadership both as department chair and as a senior member of the faculty. But, above all, her legacy is the huge number of students she has taught and mentored-- some of whom will be presenting their own work in this symposium.” A professor of philosophy and former director of Mason’s Women and Gender Studies Program, Bergoffen has worked within the context of the continental philosophical and multidisciplinary feminist traditions, exploring issues at the intersections of epistemology, ethics and politics. Bergoffen has edited several books and many articles in her area of expertise. Her book, The Philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir: Gendered Phenomenologies, Erotic Generosities details the significance of Beauvoir’s singular philosophical voice and examines the impact of her thinking on contemporary philosophical theory and current feminist thought. She has taught courses in existentialism, phenomenology, and feminist theory, including seminars in various figures in these traditions. “I've known Debra Bergoffen my entire career at George Mason. She has been, through all that time, ever helpful and ever thoughtful,” College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Jack Censer said. “On academic matters, she has listened to my rather theoretically-challenged ideas and brought the reason of a philosopher to help me through my muddle. As far as academic politics goes, she's been a sure guide both ethically and strategically. George Mason will not be the same without Debra Bergoffen.” Bergoffen chaired the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies from 1980-1987, was Director of the Women's Studies Program from1998-2002. “Whether it's about Simone de Beauvoir or human rights, the fine points of theoretical argument or the give and take of global campaigns for social justice - when Debra talks, people listen,” said Dr. Nancy Weiss Hanrahan, Associate Professor of Sociology and current Director of the Women and Gender Studies program. “And hers is always a thoughtful, powerful and deeply compassionate voice.” Bergoffen received George Mason's Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989 and Teaching Excellence Award in 1993. She was the recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences' Award for Scholarship winner in 2004. “By bringing people together who deal with each of these issues, the symposium will challenge us to think about the body as an issue in itself,” said Bergoffen. “It will, I hope, be the beginning of getting us to think about developing an ethics of the body.” Attendance is free. For more information about the symposium, call the Philosophy department at 703-993-1290 or <a href="http://www.gmu.edu/departments/philosophy/Vulnerable Bodies/Main_page_Vulnerable_bodies_Symposium.html">Click Here.</a> <h4>Speakers</h4> <ul> <li> Professor Debra Bergoffen, George Mason University</li> <li> Professor Ellen Feder, American University</li> <li> Professor Robin May Schott, Aarhus University</li> <li> Professor Gail Weiss, George Washington University </li> </ul> <h4>Guest Panel</h4> <ul> <li> Professor Lynne M. Constantine, George Mason University</li> <li> Sara Regina Mitcho, George Mason University</li> <li> Laina H. Saul, George Mason University </li> </ul>

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Like many women I did not have the possibility of moving around the country to find the right place for me as my interests changed, for my family was rooted here. But I did not have to. As I became more interested in teaching innovations, interdisciplinary work and serious research, so did Mason. You might say we grew up together professionally.

Debra Bergoffen, Philosophy Professor

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The Department of Philosophy honors professor Debra Bergoffen with a symposium called “Vulnerable Bodies” – an April 16, 2009 event that examines the vulnerabilities of aging, disabled, intersexed, harmed and raped bodies. Dr. Bergoffen, who is retiring after nearly 40 years at Mason, has spent much of her career in academia exploring the concept of vulnerable bodies. Her research has focused on the dignity of the body and how it informs us and dictates the ways in which we formulate medical practice and social justice policies.

Philosophy Department Honors Bergoffen with Symposium

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Longtime Mason professor to retire, university honors her work and research with symposium.

2009-05-09T12:35:14Z