Category: Professional Notes

Mehdi Aminrazavi, professor of philosophy and religion and co-director of the Center for Asian Studies, discussed his book, “The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam,” at George Mason University on Thursday, Sept. 22. The book discussion was presented by the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies  in coordination with Fall for the Book 2011.

“Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi’s comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Omar Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi’s work covers not only Khayyam’s well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.” — from the book jacket

Claudia Emerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and English professor at the University of Mary Washington, will read from her work at the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. Emerson’s reading will take place on Saturday, September 24 from 2:35 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival is free and open to the public.

Emerson will read from “Pharaoh, Pharaoh,” “Pinion: An Elegy,” “Late Wife” and her latest work, “Figure Studies,” as part of the Poetry & Prose pavilion at the festival. Fellow authors at the pavilion include Michael Cunningham, Dave Eggers and Rita Dove. A book signing session will follow Emerson’s reading from 4 to 5 p.m.

Read the full news release.

Ernie Ackermann, professor of computer science, was a featured guest on Voice of Russia Radio on Wednesday, September 14. In the interview, Ackermann discusses the rise of and increased action against cyber criminals and politically motivated hackers.

Listen to the full interview.

Jim Groom, instructional technology specialist, and Jeff McClurken, associate professor of history and American studies, contributed chapters to “Hacking the Academy, The Edited Volume.” The volume, published online through an open-access license, will be available in print next year.

Groom co-wrote the chapter, “Voices: Learning Management Systems.”

McClurken co-wrote the chapter, “Digital Literacy and the Undergraduate Curriculum.”

For more information about the project, visit http://www.digitalculture.org/hacking-the-academy/.

Jason Davidson, associate professor of political science, was a featured guest on Voice of Russia radio on September 7. In the interview, Davidson discusses the legacy of 9/11 and the changes in security since the attack.

Listen to the full interview.