Discussions about past experiences in learning in encounter can lead to eliciting their implications for new educational experiences. There is a serious need to revisit some of these historical critiques and historical conversations. It may not seem easy to knock on the door of the historical. For some people this practice provokes fear. However,…

In this article, the author shares the challenges she faced as a teacher who teaches "Understanding Islam: Religion and Politics." She shares that most of the strains she had experienced began to surface when her class came to the segments on jihad and Muslim women. She also relates that some of the tensions experienced by her students result from…

Discusses the concept of biocentrism, the Islamic approach to environmental ethics comprising the relationships between humans and their natural environment. Supports the concept with examples from the Koran and presents implications for environmental education. (MDH)

The ideological interface between Muslims and liberal educators undoubtedly is strained in the realm of sex education, and perhaps on no topic more so than homosexuality. Mark Halstead argues that schools should not try to "undermine the faith" of Muslims, who object to teaching homosexuality as an "acceptable alternative lifestyle." In this…

Urges that the search for origins of European exploration extend to Africa and East Asia and their international trade. Cites contributions of India and the Arabs, Chinese, and Malaysians. Emphasizes the importance of mathematics, navigation, and sailing technology. Argues that without these contributions the European voyages would not have been…

This essay argues that the history of the international system has revolved around a moving frontier of cultural exclusivity. It is one of a series of working papers commissioned by the World Models Project in its effort to stimulate research, education, dialogue, and political action aimed at contributing to a movement for a just world order.…

Commentary on an article about educating an industrialized middle class in Arab-Islamic countries argues that the absence of an industrial middle class in Arab countries cannot be understood solely with reference to Eurocentric models and suggests there is no single solution to integrating science and technology with Islamic religion. (SM)

Author of an article on educating an industrialized middle class in Arab-Islamic countries responds to a critique by reemphasizing the need for a nonacademic technological institute to produce a middle class of highly qualified technicians. The article argues that vocational and technical education must be planned by the state. (SM)

Discusses existing systems of industrial education in Arab-Islamic countries, surveys Arab-Islamic culture, examines existing models in relation to their cultural appropriateness, and proposes a model for a kind of industrial university, the Djamiat Al-Sinah, which would be devoted to the culture specific vocational/industrial education of…

This review evaluates the writings and opinions of Americans and Iranians on relations and influences between institutions of higher education in Iran and the United States before and after the 1979 revolution. The review explores the arrival of modern western education in Iran, Egypt, and Turkey where a traditional education system had prevailed…