The Ohio State University Middle East Studies Center

Area Studies Center of the Office of International Affairs

Workshops on Afghan Culture

After a workshop held on August 22, 2009, one hundred and fifty marines from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Lima Company, based at Rickenbacker Airport, are now more familiar with Afghan history and culture as well as Islam. The Ohio State University’s Middle East Studies Center (MESC) conducted the workshop to give the Marines an insider’s perspective about the Afghan context.  Prior to that workshop a two- workshop for military, government, and NGO leaders and trainers was held on July 21, 2009, several other military units were prepared for deployment. 

During the workshops Alam Payind, director of MESC, and faculty-in-exile from Kabul University, speaks about Afghan history and the history of conflicts in Afghanistans.  There are also sessions on negotiating cultural differences, and specifics about Pashtun values, the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan.  Foundational training in Pashto is also included.  Please see http://www.continuinged.ohio-state.edu/AfghanStudiesWorkshop/   Teachers, if you are interested in participating in future workshops, we are happy to tailor the content to your needs; please let us know by sending an email: mesc@osu.edu

 

 

321 Oxley Hall 1712 Neil Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210 Tel: 614-292-5897 Fax: 614-292-4273 E-mail: mesc@osu.edu