Jones Knowledge Launches Understanding Islam Course
"Understanding Islam" course creates awareness and improved relations
Jones Knowledge's new online offering focused on businesses
and government agencies that want to increase understanding
DENVER (Oct. 11, 2007) - A leading provider of quality interactive online education, Jones Knowledge Group® (JKG®) today introduced a new course, Understanding Islam: An Introduction, which addresses the misperceptions, apprehension and lack of knowledge about the Islamic faith.
The course is designed for corporations, school districts, governmental organizations, including law enforcement agencies, and other learners who would benefit from understanding the historical context of Islam, the complexities of the culture, and gain the tools necessary to improve their relations with Muslims worldwide. Understanding Islam isthe first in the Jones Cultural Diversity Series of online courses designed to bring enlightenment, respect and tolerance for a variety of world cultures.
Developed by an esteemed group of Islamic scholars, led by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, the course creates a foundation for understanding, mutual respect and constructive engagement, and teaches students new skills to affect more positive interactions, whether they are conducting business in an Islamic country, teaching Islamic students or working with Islamic people. The content in Understanding Islam is appropriate for the education, corporate and diplomatic sectors.
Ahmed is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University in Washington D.C. and, according to the BBC, he is considered "the world's leading authority on contemporary Islam." The former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Great Britain, Ahmed has advised Prince Charles and met with President George W. Bush on Islam. Ahmed, who has written several books, is regularly interviewed on CNN, CBC, the BBC, ARY TV and has appeared several times on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Nightline. In 2006, he won the Purpose Prize Award with Dr. Judea Pearl for their work on interfaith dialogue.
"As more Muslims begin to see the West as their enemy, more Westerners in turn see Muslims as their enemy, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust, ignorance and violence," said Ambassador Ahmed. "Now more than ever, it is imperative for the West and the Muslim world to talk to and understand each other. The only way forward is to forge a path of dialogue, understanding and mutual respect."
With economic globalization and Islam being the fastest-growing religion in the world, the need for strong relations between Westerners and Muslims is more important than ever, especially in our post-9/11 world, according to Terry Erdle, President of Jones Knowledge.
"Understanding Islam: An Introduction can bridge that gap of ignorance and fear by giving learners knowledge, context and real-world skills in which to affect positive change around the world," Erdle said.
The course is comprised of six modules, with topics including history, faith/beliefs, women in Islam, and terrorism. Delivered in an engaging, completely online format, Understanding Islam also provides real-life scenarios in which learners may choose appropriate courses of action to improve mutual communication and interaction. Organizations also have the option of purchasing scenarios that are customized to their specific work environment and corporate regulations.
Ahmed, who this year published Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization (Brookings Institution Press, 2007) praised Jones Knowledge's effort.
"I offer my sincerest congratulations and gratitude for the initiative the Jones Knowledge has taken in creating this course," Ahmed said. "This is a much-need project and will greatly improve the level of understanding between the West and the Muslim world at a critical time in history."
Understanding Islam course was launched nationally at a Jones Knowledge-sponsored event at the National Press Club today in Washington D.C. featuring Ambassador Ahmed and well-known industrialist and community activist Arif Zaffar Mansuri.