The program offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including community events, lectures, films, conferences, and performances. Students have the opportunity to meet and work with members of local Arab and Muslim communities and organizations. Many of our extra-curricular and co-curricular events occur off campus, reflecting the program’s focus on community engagement.
Students and community members join Alfawares Dance Troupe for dabka
One highlight of our community engagement has been the Arab American Community Fair attended by hundreds of people at Indy’s Global Village. Students in NELC 261, Intro to Arab American Studies, partnered with community members to organize an afternoon of art, food, poetry, music, dabka dancing, and community resource tables.
Other extra-curricular activities events have included a free screening of American Muslims: A History Revealed at the Kan-Kan Theater, an Arabic Qahwa conversation, and a community lecture at Alhuda Foundation.
Our next large program event is Nov. 6, 2025, when Professor D. Fairchild Ruggles will lecture on “The Life-Giving Power of Water in Islamic Spain and Beyond” at 7PM in the Lilly Auditorium of the IU University Library.
The best way to find out about our events is through our blog, but you are also welcome to email the Program Director, Dr. Edward Curtis: ecurtis4@iu.edu.
Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members at “American Muslims: A History Revealed”
