Two New Podcasts Created to Increase Understanding about Islam

Bloomington, Indiana (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- The Voices and Visions Project provides resources for individuals who wish to tackle the complexities of Islam (http://muslimvoices.org/) and create an interfaith dialogue within their communities.

Through the two podcasts, Crash Course in Islam and Muslim Voices, the project brings together balanced viewpoints and various voices within and outside of Islam to supply straight-forward information about the more misunderstood aspects of Islam and Muslim life.

Crash Course in Islam debunks common myths about Islam in brief, informational segments, and provides educators with an interactive method to teach about Islam. The series addresses some of the most common questions and misunderstandings about Islam.

Muslim Voices demonstrates the diversity of the Islamic world by providing access to the lives and beliefs of Muslims, helping listeners make sense of current issues. The podcast uses both scholarly and personal voices of Muslims to show what it means to be Muslim today.

Recent podcast topics have included:

• the five pillars of islam (http://muslimvoices.org/five-pillars-of-islam/)

• the kaaba (http://muslimvoices.org/kaaba/)

• the differences between sunni and shia (http://muslimvoices.org/islam-sects/)

• and muslim-prayer (http://muslimvoices.org/muslim-prayer/)

The Voices and Visions project recently received a second round of funding to continue to inform, challenge stereotypes, and reveal the diversity within Islam through engaging and innovative means. Additionally, the project was awarded the City of Bloomington's 2009 Human Rights Award for its ability to demonstrate a sincere commitment to accessible scholarship, public outreach, reciprocity, and dialogue. Hilary Kahn, co-director of the Voices and Visions projects states "With our other dedicated partners, we will continue to provide questions, stimulate conversations, and provide opportunities for the public to hear scholarly and personal perspectives about Islam and Muslim lives from around the world".

For resources, ranging from other websites about Islam to recommended Muslim literature, poetry, and films, please visit muslimvoices.org.

About Voices and Visions:

Voices and Visions involves events, workshops, art exhibits, and two podcast series that promotes understanding and dialogue about Islam and Muslims in various world contexts.

Voices and Visions aims to increase intercultural understanding, inform and promote dialogue, replace misinformation, and promote accessible scholarship.

Voices and Visions is funded by the Social Science Research Council and is lead by the Study of Global Change at Indiana University. Other participating units include CIBER, African Studies Program, East Asian Studies, Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center, Russian and Eastern European Institute, West European Studies, School of Journalism, Indiana University Press, Middle Eastern Islamic Studies Program, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington Area Arts Council, Bloomington Islamic Center, and WFIU Public Media.

About WFIU Public Media:

WFIU Public Media is a division of WFIU Public Radio, which is the NPR affiliate broadcasting from Indiana University, serving central and southern Indiana. WFIU Public Media productions include the Kinsey Confidential Sexual Health Podcast and Earth Eats--Real Food Green Living podcast in addition to Muslim Voices and Crash Course in Islam.

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