MESC Event Archive
Scholarly Lecture Series
2021 - 2022
“Perspectives on Afghanistan: Panel,” Speakers Grant Farr (PSU), Benjamin Hopkins (GWU), and Nukhet Sandal (OU) moderated by Lindsay Benstead. Cosponsored with PSU Sociology, George Washington University History, Ohio University Political Science. October 21.
“Unpacking the Effects of How Media Represents Muslims,” speaker Muniba Saleem (UCSB). Cosponsored with PSU Communications and UC Santa Barbara Communications. December 9.
“Alternative Iran: Contemporary Art & Critical Spatial Practice,” with speaker Pamela Karimia (UMass-Dartmouth) (PSU Alumna, ‘97). Cosponsored with University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Art & Architecture. January 26.
“Book Talk: Fencing With the King,” with speaker Diana Abu Jaber (PSU) and discussant Omar El Akkad (author). March 29.
2020 - 2021
“Axis of Hope: Iranian Women’s Rights Activism Across Border,” with Catherine Sameh, Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality studies at University of California, Irvine. Cosponsored with UC-Irvine, MPA, Honors College, Judaic Studies, Johanna Brenner (Sociology). October 28.
“Colonizing by Imagination: Early Photography and Palestine,” with Issam Nassar, Professor of Middle East History at Illinois State University and professor of history at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Cosponsored with Doha Institute for Grad Studies, ISS (IEW Week). November 17.
“Polarized and Demobilized: Legacies of Authoritarianism in Palestine,” with Dana El Kurd, researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and an assistant professor in its sister institution, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Cosponsored with Doha Institute for Grad Studies, ISS (IEW Week). November 19.
“City of Black Gold: Oil, Ethnicity, and the Making of Modern Kirkuk,” with Arbella Bet-Shlimon, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Washington, and Yasmeen Hanoosh, PSU Professor of Arabic. Cosponsored with University of Washington, PSU History, PSU International & Global Studies, PSU World Languages and Literatures. December 1.
“Postrevolutionary Iran: The Leader, The People, and the Three Powers,” with Robert Asaadi, Professor of International Studies and Political Science at PSU. Cosponsored with PSU International & Global Studies, PSU Political Science. June 3.
2019 - 2020
“Women & Politics in the Greater Middle East,” speaker Lindsay Benstead, for participants in the MEPI. This summer, PSU hosted 15 young leaders from the region. Cosponsored with MEPI. July 9.
“Out-group generosity despite prejudice: Access to social services for Syrian refugees in Lebanon,” speaker Melani Cammett, the Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs and Chair of the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies and Acting Director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. Lecture sponsored by the Tarbell Mentorship Fund. October 7.
“Transforming Educational Reform in the Arab World: the Journey of the TAMAM Project,” with speaker Rima Karami Akkary (PSU Alumna, ‘97), Associate Professor of Educational Administration, Policy and Leadership in the Department of Education, Program Advisor for Educational Management and Leadership at the American University in Beirut. November 7.
“A Quranically Based Vision of Multiculturalism and Inter-Religious Relations,” with speaker Aisha Musa (PSU, ‘92), independent scholar. January 22.
“Why Pyramids? The cultural and economic importance of large scale constructions in Old Kingdom Egypt,” with speaker Sarah Sterling, retired Assistant Professor of Anthropology at PSU. Cosponsored with the Anthropology Department and the American Research Center in Egypt, the Oregon Chapter. March 3.
“Women and Social Policy in Authoritarian Regimes,” with speaker Gamze Cavdar, Associate Professor of Political Science at Colorado State University. Via Zoom. April 23.
“Hip Hop Harem: Women, Rap and Representation in the Middle East,” with speaker Angela Williams, Associate Director at the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (CSAMES) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Cosponsored with CSAMES. May 28.
2018 - 2019
“Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring the Human Experience in Iranian New Wave Cinema,” speaker Dr. Robert Asaadi, PSU, International Studies & Political Science, in conjunction with WorldOregon Iran Culture Box display. July 16.
“The Compliance Dilemma in Iran-U.S. Relations: When ‘Trust, by Verify’ Falters,” speaker Dr. Robert Asaadi, in conjunction with WorldOregon Iran Culture Box display. Cosponsored with PSU Persian Department and the Andisheh Center. October 15.
“Music of the Arab Spring: From Revolution to Revelation,” speaker Dr. Ramzi M. Salti, Stanford University. Cosponsored with the Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon (AACCO). November 18.
“Ancient Egyptian Art,” speaker Dr. Rasha Soliman, Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Lewis and Clark College. Cosponsored by the Fulbright Association of Oregon. January 9.
“Partition as a Traveling Theory? A Transnational Perspective on the Partition of Palestine, 1937-1947,” speakers Dr. Laura Robson, PSU, History and Dr. Arie Dubnov, George Washington University, Israel Studies. Cosponsored by the PSU Judaic Studies and History Departments. February 19.
“Violence and Radical Theology in the Syria War,” speaker Dr. Harout Akdedian, MESC Visiting Scholar. June 4.
Egyptology Lecture Series
2020 - 2021
“Animal Mummies,” with speaker Salima Ikram (AUC). Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt-Northwest & Oregon Chapters and University of Washington Near Eastern Languages and Civilization, and PSU Anthropology. October 9.
“When Women Ruled the World,” with speaker Kara Cooney (UCLA). Inaugural Mary Ausplund Tooze Endowed Visiting Professor of Islamic & Ancient Art (virtual). Cosponsored European & American Art Council of PAM, and PSU Art History. October 28.
“News from the Amenhotep III Temple of Millions of Years,” with speaker Hourig Sourouzian (Egyptologist). Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt-Northwest & Oregon Chapters and University of Washington Near Eastern Languages and Civilization, and PSU Anthropology. May 14.
2020 - 2021
“Blueprints for Bureaucracy: How the Egyptian Government Designed Settlements in the Desert to oversee Amethyst Mining,” with Kate Liszka, Associate Professor, The Benson and Pamela Harer Fellow in Egyptology at California State University at San Bernardino. California State University-San Bernardino; The Portland Society of the Archaeological Research Institute of America (AIA); Oregon Chapter American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE); PSU Anthropology. October 23.
“Black Pharaohs? Egyptological bias, racism, and Egypt and Nubia as African Civilizations” with Stuart Tyson Smith, Egyptologist and professor in the Anthropology department at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Cosponsored with ARCE-Northwest Chapter; ARCE-Oregon Chapter; Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization at the University of Washington; PSU Anthropology. November 18.
“One Tomb, Two Kings:Unlocking the Sequence of Construction and Decoration in Theban Tomb 110.” with JJ Shirley, Egyptologist. Cosponsored with ARCE-Northwest Chapter; ARCE-Oregon Chapter; Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization at the University of Washington; PSU Anthropology. December 15.
“‘No One Will Do This For Us’ Intellectuals of African Descent and the Nile Valley in the Early 20th Century” with Vanessa Davies, Egyptologist. Cosponsored with ARCE-Northwest Chapter; ARCE-Oregon Chapter; Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization at the University of Washington; PSU Anthropology. February 11.
“Examples of Use-wear on Predynastic Palettes,” with Matt Szafran, Egyptologist. Cosponsored with ARCE-Northwest Chapter; ARCE-Oregon Chapter; Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization at the University of Washington; PSU Anthropology. May 1.
2019 - 2020
“Ancient Egypt’s Valley of the Kings: Fieldwork in KV 49, An Enigmatic Tomb,” with speaker Donald P. Ryan, Director of the Valley of the Kings Project at Pacific Lutheran University. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, the Oregon Chapter. October 23.
“Continuity and Change in Egypt’s ‘Great Land:’ Abydos Under the Ptolemies,” with speaker Thomas Landvatter, Assistant Professor of Classics and Humanities at Reed College. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, the Oregon Chapter. December 3.
2018 - 2019
“The Surprising Appearance of the Egyptian Book of the Dead at the Beginning of the New Kingdom,” speaker Dr. Peter F. Dorman, University of Chicago. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter. September 17.
“Goddesses’ Gowns and Kings’ Kilts in New Kingdom Egyptian Tomb Paintings,” speaker Nancy Arthur Hoskins, Independent Scholar. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter. December 4.
“As Offerings, as Food, and as Companions: Animals in Ancient Egypt.” speaker Dr. Louise Bertini, Director for the American Research Center in Egypt. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter. February 11.
“Sethy I, King of Egypt,” speaker Dr. Aidan Dodson, University of Bristol, United Kingdom. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter. April 24.
“The Future of Egypt’s Past: Protecting Ancient Thebes,” speaker Dr. Kent R. Weeks, Director, The Theban Mapping Project. Cosponsored with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter. May 7.
Community Outreach
2022 - 2023
“Algerian History & Culture Through Film: A Seminar”
Film screening “The Last Queen”
2021 - 2022
Cascade Festival of African Films. MESC cosponsored the festival. February.
2020 - 2021
“Rising Up for Human Dignity Film Series presents ‘Rising Up: Sudan.’” Cosponsored with 5th Avenue Cinema, Never Again Coalition, The Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, Conflict Resolution Program , WorldOregon, STAND, Sudan Unlimited, Act for Sudan, Sudanese American Public Affairs Association - SAPAA, iACT, Cool Islam, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Cascade Festival of African Films. July 2 -25.
“Columbus the Muslim,” with Alan Mikhail, Chace Family Professor of History and Chair of the Department of History at Yale University. Cosponsored with PSU History. October 22.
Cascade Festival of African Films. MESC cosponsored the festival. February.
2019 - 2020
“Visual Arts Music & Dance Workshop,” a half day free workshop by local Iranian artists. Cosponsored with the Oregon Folklife Network, the Andisheh Center, Artmax, and KBOO Radio. August 3.
Cascade Festival of African Films. MESC cosponsored the festival. February.
2018 - 2019
“Iranian Festival,” all-day gathering on Park Blocks with more than 2000 visitors. MESC organized seating, had a booth, and was a co-sponsor with the Andisheh Center, Iranian-American Friendship Society of Oregon, Iranian-American Professional Society of Oregon, Iranian Women Association of Oregon, and Persia House. Aug. 4.
MESC collaborated with Portland Parks and Recreation to plan “Portlanders Stand with Refugees & Immigrants,” a multicultural event with over 300 attendees. March 15.
Cascade Festival of African Films. MESC cosponsored the festival. February.
Student Outreach
2020 - 2021
“Lunch With a Diplomat,” with Diplomat in Residence for the Northwest Ryan M. Gliha. Cosponsored with Debra Clemans as part of International Education Week (IEW). November 15.
“International Fellowships Alumni Panel,” with three PSU/MES alumni, each a recipient of a federal language scholarship. Cosponsored with Debra Clemans as part of International Education Week (IEW). November 18.
2020 - 2021
“Pre-Series Discussion” on Iran and Feminism. Cosponsored with PSU Women’s Resource Center. October 23.
“Applying for Graduate School in Political Science and International Affairs,” with Lindsay Benstead, Director of MESC. Cosponsored with PSU CUPA. October 30.
2019 - 2020
“Pizza and Networking,” a networking event for students to meet and mingle with visiting students from the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), a program funded by the State Department with the goal of educating future leaders of the region. Cosponsored with MEPI. July 8.
International Student and Scholar Resource Fair, MESC exhibit table with information on academic options, upcoming events, Middle Eastern snacks and tea. September 25.
“Undergraduate Seminar” with Melani Cammett. October 7.
“Lunch with a Scholar” with Melani Cammett. October 7.
“PSU Special Collections Open House: Explore the Middle East Collection,” featuring rare books from the University Archives and rare objects from MESC Collections. Cosponsored with Special Collections and the Tarbell Family Foundation. November 19.
“Reflections on Kuwait: Lessons from Living and Working in the Persian Gulf during Summer 2019,” with speaker Adriane Bolliger, graduate student and former Graduate Assistant for Ed Abroad and MESC. Cosponsored with the Kuwaiti Student Club. November 21.
“Salaam Dunk: A documentary screening and panel discussion,” with a student panel, including Dashne Abdulghafour, Fulbright Scholar at PSU, as well as former student at the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani and captain of the women’s basketball team. Cosponsored with the International Cultural Service Program, Office of Student & Scholar Services, Multicultural Student Center, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian Initiative. March 6.
“Working for Uncle Sam: A Game Plan to Get You Into the Federal Workforce | Career Chat,” with David M. Duke (PSU, ‘17). Via Zoom. May 20.
“Virtual Middle East Trivia: Middle Eastern Cultures Edition,” an online trivia event for students using Kahoot software. Cosponsored with UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies; Duke University Middle East Studies Center; Duke Islamic Studies Center; Middle East, North Africa, South Asia Initiative. Via Zoom. May 27.
2018 - 2019
“Community Activism in the Greater Middle East,” panel discussion by MEPI participants and moderated by Lindsay Benstead. July 11.
MESC gave a presentation and co-planned the Sponsored Student Program Fall Welcome. October 9.
Graduate School Day, MESC exhibit table with language and academic options for graduate students interested in Middle East studies. October 16
“Careers in U.S. Foreign Agencies,” speaker Dr. Peter Bechtold, PSU, Political Science. November 7.
“MENASA Storytellers Night,” speakers were all students from the region or with heritage ties in the region. Cosponsored by the Office of International Student Life and the Portland State Alumni Association. November 30.
MENASA Initiative Winter Event. Cosponsored by the Cultural Resource Center. February 12.
“Think and Drink with Omar El Akkad,” moderated by Emily Harris. MESC provided tickets to 20 PSU students and community members. Cosponsored by Oregon Humanities. March 20.
“Kiss,” by Guillermo Calderon. MESC hosted 20 PSU students and community members at local performance. Cosponsored by Third Rail Repertory Theatre. April 5.
Arabian Night. MESC table focused on Yemeni culture, food, and history. Participants MESC Student Worker Maha Alameri and MENASA Student Initiative Program Coordinator Wafaa Almaktari. Cosponsored by the Arab Student Association, Arab-Persian Student Organization, Kuwaiti Student Club, Omani Students Club, Iraqi Students Club, and the GCC-American Student Council. April 26.
International Night, MESC table focused on Yemeni culture, food, and history. Participants MESC Student Worker Maha Alameri and MENASA Student Initiative Program Coordinator Wafaa Almaktari. Cosponsored by the Office of International Student Life and the International Student Organization. May 11.
“Radical Empathy and Story Exchange,” workshop moderator Dr. David Del Mar, PSU, University Studies. As part of Refugee Symposium. May 14.
“Create Your Own Narrative: Journal-Making, Art, and Writing,” workshop moderators MESC staff Corinne Hughes and Maha Alameri. As part of Refugee Symposium. May 16.
Extra Lectures/Events
2020 - 2021
“Silverworld: Middle Eastern Magic and Adventure,” with Diana Abu-Jaber, Writer-In-Residence at PSU English. Cosponsored by Lewis & Clark College of Education and Counseling; Austin Community College; PSU College of Education; OSU College of Education; MEOC; Eastern Oregon College of Education; C-GEO; PSU World Languages and Literatures. November 12.
2019 - 2020
“Not Just Football: From Genocide to the World Cup,” a film screening and meet-and-greet with Mark Hodson, Darfur United Head Coach, Gabriel Stauring, iACT Founder, and Souliman, a Darfur United Goal Keeper. Cosponsored with the Office of International Affairs, WorldOregon, Never Again Coalition, Darfur United, and iACT. September 12.
Oregon Council for the Social Studies Fall Conference, MESC exhibit table with upcoming events, resources for educators, Middle Eastern snacks and tea. September 28.
“Faculty Mentor Breakfast” with Melani Cammett. October 7.
“Revolution in Rojava: A Democratic Politics for an Ecological Future,” with speaker Debbie Bookchin, journalist. Cosponsored with University Studies, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Emergency Committee for Rojava, and Demand Utopia. November 6.
“Roots | Shorashin | Judur: A Local Palestinian Israeli Initiative for Understanding, Nonviolence, and Transformation,” Painful Hope, with speakers Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Shadi Abu Awwad. Cosponsored with 20 partners, including Conflict Resolution. November 23.
Middle East Reads: Educator Book Club, an online book club with 50 educators from across Oregon and 15 states, reading 4 books and including one online webinar. October-February.
2018 - 2019
“Women & Politics in the Greater Middle East,” speaker Lindsay Benstead, for participants in the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), a program funded by the State Department with the goal of educating future leaders of the region. This summer, PSU hosted 20 young leaders from the region. July 9.
“National Security and Human Security - Can We Have Both?” speaker Ambassador (Ret.) Prudence Bushnell. Cosponsored by the Institute of Asian Studies, Friends of Asian Studies, and Political Science. April 18.
Roundtable with Aisha Nawaz Chaudhary, Eisenhower Fellow and member of Pakistan’s Parliament representing the Punjab Province. April 18.
“Working Together to Hear Refugees and Immigrants in Portland and PSU,” panelists Rima Ghuanaim, Executive Director of Rotarian Action Group for Peace, Hussein Al-Baiaty, PSU alum and founder of Refutees, Harout Akdedian, MESC Visiting Scholar, moderated by Dr. Kim Brown, PSU, Applied Linguistics. Cosponsored by Refugee Volunteer Organization, Portland Meets Portland, and Portland Refugee Support Group, May 18.
“Day One” by Lori Miller film screening as part of the Refugee Symposium. Made possible by the President’s Diversity Mini Grant. May 18.