Office of International Affairs

Outreach

MESC makes a major contribution to Middle East studies and international education outreach on the state, regional, and national levels. In its outreach program, MESC strives to provide activities that have high educational value, reflect campus and community collaboration, and are accessible to students, faculty, and, community members with a range of backgrounds and perspectives.

PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” relates directly to the University’s substantial commitment of time and resources to MESC’s outreach program. In recognition of the significant impact of its outreach work, MESC received a 2003 PSU Civic Engagement Award, significant as PSU is ranked third nationally in service learning.

MESC outreach to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, business, media, and the general public includes public programs and cultural events; the MESC Resource Library; referral of speakers on Middle East topics; programs and services for K-12 schools, teachers, and students; and networking and collaboration with other educational institutions and organizations.

Public Programs and Events

MESC sponsors and co-sponsors lectures by speakers, both visiting and local, academic conferences, and seminars on a wide range of Middle East-related topics throughout the year. In addition, many PSU faculty with Middle East specialization share their expertise by speaking at local, regional, national, and international programs and conferences. MESC outreach also includes musical concerts, film showings, dance performances, and art exhibits.

Highlights of these public programs include annual events such as the Iranian Festival, film sponsorship during the Portland International Film Festival, the Contemporary Turkish Studies Distinguished Lecture, and the Northwest Regional Middle East Seminar. MESC co-sponsors lectures year-round with the American Research Center in Egypt, Oregon Chapter and academic events such as the Berbers and other North African Minorities International Conference and US-Saudi Relations Symposium.

MESC Upcoming Outreach Events

See our Events Calendar for upcoming MESC Outreach events.

See also PSU’s Judaic Studies Program Calendar of Events.

MESC Resource Library

MESC has an extensive lending library of curriculum materials, teaching resources, books for K-12 students, and videos and DVDs on many aspects of the MIddle East. Lists of resources on particular topics and a list of videos and DVDs are available from MESC.

The MESC Resource Library is housed at the Global and Multicultural and Resource Center (GMRC), 1950 SW 6th Ave., Room 121, Portland, on the PSU campus. GMRC is usually open 1:30-5:00, Tuesday-Friday. However, calling ahead is recommended (503-725-8191). MESC’s resources can be borrowed at no cost. In addition to the MESC collection, Culture Boxes on many Middle Eastern countries and topics such as Islam or Judaism can be borrowed for a moderate fee from GMRC.

Referral of Speakers on Middle East Topics

For referral of speakers on Middle East-related topics, please plan at least two weeks in advance and be prepared to assist with transportation, if needed. To make a request, call 503-725-4074, or download the request form and fax or mail it to MESC.

Programs and Services for K-12 Schools, Teachers, and Students

MESC provides the following programs and services for K-12 schools, teachers, and students:

  • Workshops for educators on Middle East topics, including, “Middle East Oil and Water,” “Ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran,” and “Teaching About the Middle East Through Folktales and Literature.”
  • Assistance with planning in-school Middle East-related events.
  • Curriculum development on Middle East-related topics.
  • Weekend Armenian and Persian language classes for K-12 students.
  • Programs for high school students – internships, Arabic language classes.

Collaboration and Networking

MESC collaborates with other organizations by sharing resources and by developing linkages among campus and community members with background and interest in the Middle East. It provides information about national resources and organization to the local community. These connections strengthen MESC’s offerings and ability to provide service and high-quality programs. This involves working with and accessing the resources of:

News & Events