6:30pm – 8:00pmFait Muedini will be speaking on the topic of the status of women's rights within Islam and Islamic societies. What is it that the Qur'an actually says about women and how has it been interpreted by various societies? Significant changes have occurred in many Islamic nations in recent years, however have these been influenced by or assisted movements for women's rights? These questions and much more will be answered by Professor Muedini. Fait Muedini teaches courses in international politics, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern politics. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Political Science at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. His research interests include Islam and human rights, Sufism as it relates to Islamic thought and identity formation, as well as issues surrounding the human right of free child primary education. Some of his recently published research includes "Examining Islam and Human Rights from the Perspective of Sufism" and "Muslim American College Youth: Attitudes and Responses Five Years After 9/11." Fait Muedini has also received two Excellence in Teaching Awards for his instruction in undergraduate political science courses. Sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha of Eckerd College.