NEAR E 280: Central Asian Turkic Literature in Translation
WIN 2012

The goal of the course is to acquaint the students with the nomadic and sedentary cultures of the Central Asian Turkic peoples through the medium of their oral and written literature of the 8th to the 21th century. Attention will be paid to their rich oral literature, which influenced the written literature greatly even up to the present time. We will also locate the oral poet/singer in Turkic nomadic society as a highly respected healer, leader and advisor. This unique social status was transferred to the poets and writers of the modern era. While reading their works in English translation, it will be necessary to look into the reliability of the translators. Have they been truthful to the original texts? This question is particularly important for the Central Asian
Turkic Literature written during the years 1917-1986, when the Turkic peoples lived under Soviet colonialism. Censorship and the doctrine of “Socialist Realism” altered not only original texts but also their translations into Russian from which subsequently English
translations were made. We will give examples of such distortions, but otherwise we will only use verifiable translations into English made directly from the language of the original text.

NEAR E 211 Islam WIN 2012

The importance of Islam in the politico-religious life of the 21st century can scarcely be overestimated. Yet for many, knowledge of the roots, practices and tenets of this nearly 1,400- year-old religion are shrouded in mystery. This course provides an introduction to the origins and history of Islam, including the genesis and development of its sacred scripture and monumental institutions of law, theology, and Sufism. It will cover challenges posed by sectarianism, modernity and encounters with the West, as well as contemporary Muslim practice and the status of women in Islamic societies. Students will gain an understanding of the rich diversity of thought and practice characterizing Islam as well as the shared rituals and history uniting its approximately 1.4 billion adherents. The course will also acquaint students with the basic tools, resources, and critical questions associated with the study of Islam.

Statement of Purpose Workshop II
Wednesday, November 9
3:30-5:00 p.m.
THO 134

The Department of English will host an annual statement of purpose writing workshop on Wednesday, November 9, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Thomson 134.   This is part 2 in a series of annual Autumn workshops on preparing for admission to graduate or professional school, a hands-on writing experience that will involve small groups.  To participate, bring 5 copies of a working draft of your statement of purpose or application essay.  Then get prepared to take it apart and put it back together again, focusing on building upon the draft’s strengths.

–
Mel Wensel
Director of Academic Services
Department of English
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206)543-2634

The UW School of Art invites you  to BuyART, the annual sale of student and alumni work

Wednesday, Nov 16 from 10am to 7pm

Thursday, Nov 17 from 10am to 4pm

In the School of Art Jacob Lawrence Gallery

132 Art Building

BuyART is sponsored by the Jacob Lawrence Gallery and the School of Art Academic Advising Office.

All proceeds benefit the student artists and support programs offered the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.

Judith Clark

Director Academic Advising

School of Art,Art History, Design

104 Art Building

University of Washington

Box 353440

An 1894 story in Scribner’s prophesied the “end of books” and their replacement by “phonography.” If the prediction seems outlandish today, the sentiment that books are becoming obsolete has only gotten stronger. Yet before being threatened with extinction by “new media,” print was new media, the appearance of which in 15th century Europe transformed early modern
society, in ways equivalent to how digital media is changing our our world today.

This course introduces students to the “Printing Revolution,” and its impacts on politics, society and culture in France and Europe. Topics include:

* Conceptual shifts with movable type

* Politics of the press: censorship, intellectual freedom, and public opinion

* Effects of literacy and of new reading habits on society

* Intellectual property, and ideals of authorship and originality.

The key forms and concepts forged in the age of print continue to shape our interactions with media, even as they adapt to technological change (think of the durability of the “book” in the virtual world). Analyzing how these forms developed can shed light on the media revolution we witness today.

Monday, October 31
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Smith 311

Hi friends-
I am writing to share with you two important upcoming events.

1- BENT is an amazing, powerful, grassroots, non-profit organization that I have had the pleasure to be a part of for the past 3 years:  taking classes and workshops, attending and helping with events they have sponsored. Bent is the only queer writing institute in the country. Bent is a space for writers to grow. It is a place to learn about developing both as a person and as an artist. It is a safe and nurturing space for folks of all backgrounds and genders. It turns no students away due to lack of funds.
http://www.bentwriting.com/

BENT is in a time of restructuring and in order to be sustainable, it needs your support. Please spread the word! If you know of students, friends or colleagues who would be interested in taking classes with Bent, teaching for Bent, or volunteering, forward this email. If you can help with donating, now is the time. Thank you and know that your donations keep this unique and fantastic writing community thriving!
http://www.bentwriting.com/donate

2- BENT’s annual showcase is happening ONE night only this fall, if you are in the Seattle area, please come and enjoy
a night filled with multitudes of brilliant spoken word:
Friday, November 18th
featuring: Storme Webber
info: http://www.bentwriting.com/events_calendar

Sincerely,
Sarah Zurat

//

Statement of Purpose Workshop I
Thursday, October 20
3:30-5:00 p.m.
THO 135

The Department of English will host an annual statement of purpose writing workshop on Thursday, October 20, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Thomson 135.  The workshop will include a presentation on guidelines for writing effective application essays and a critique of actual statements that were submitted as parts of successful applications to graduate programs.  If you are an English or Humanities student applying to graduate or professional school for next fall, this workshop is a “must.”  Special emphasis will be given to graduate programs in literature and creative writing, but the general principles of writing an effective statement hold true across the board.  Students applying to programs in law, education, library science and more are welcome too!

–
Mel Wensel
Director of Academic Services
Department of English
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206)543-2634