Colorado State University Guest Lecture on Political Protest in Jordan April 28

Jillian Schwedler, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst , will discuss the political upheaval taking place in the country of Jordan, from 2-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 in Colorado State University’s Physiology Building Room 103.

Schwedler will look beyond the technical dynamics of protest events to create understanding of the situation in Jordan in the 21st century. The talk, sponsored by a grant supporting CSU’s Middle East /North Africa (MENA) option in International Studies and the Department of Political Science, is free and open to the public.

Schwedler’s current research focuses on the politics, culture, protest and policing in Jordan that encompass her newest project, a book entitled “Protesting Jordan, Spaces of Political Dissent.” Schwedler’s research highlights the harsh political protesting taking place in Jordan and its impact on the country.

Schwedler’s book, “Faith in Moderation: Islamist Parties in Jordan and Yemen,” won the Best Book Award from the Comparative Democratization Section of the American Political Science Association.

Colorado State’s Middle East /North Africa (MENA) option in International Studies allows students to take courses in the history, religion, philosophy, art and language of the MENA region. The program was recently expanded through a $175,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help enhance the opportunities of students in this area of study. An exhibit of art from the MENA region at CSU’s Hatton Gallery in September 2010 will be a culminating activity of the grant project.

For more information on Schwedler’s visit contact, Gamze Çavdar at gamze@lamar.colostate.edu.

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