An award-winning author and recognized Islamic studies scholar will visit Denison University to present a lecture on "Islam, Mysticism and Globalization." Carl W. Ernst, the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will speak at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 27) in the Burton D. Morgan Lecture Hall under the sponsorship of the Goodspeed Lecture Series. The talk is free and open to the public.

Ernst, who also serves as the director of the Carolina Center for the Study of the Middle East and Muslim Civilizations, is the author of "Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World" (2003) and an authority on Sufism, a diverse range of beliefs and practices that include mysticism and traditions such as devotional dance (Sufi whirling) and music (Qawwali).

Winner of the 2004 Bashrahil Prize for Outstanding Cultural Achievement, Ernst's current projects include Muslim interpretations of Hinduism and the literary translation of the Qur'an. Among his other publications are: "Teachings of Sufism," a translation of "The Unveiling of Secrets: Diary of a Sufi Master" by Ruzbihan Baqli, "Guide to Sufism," and "Eternal Garden: Mysticism, History and Politics at a South Asian Sufi Center."

Ernst earned his bachelor's degree in comparative religion at Stanford University and a doctorate at Harvard University. He has done research in India, Pakistan and Turkey and visited Iran and Uzbekistan. Prior to his faculty appointment at the University of North Carolina, where he also has served as the Zachary Smith Professor, Ernst taught at Pomona College and was a visiting lecturer in Paris, the University of Seville and the University of Malaya.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Goodspeed Lecture Series presents Carl W. Ernst speaking on "Islam, Mysticism and Globalization"; 7:30 p.m., Wednesday (Sept. 27), Burton D. Morgan Lecture Hall (150 Ridge Road). Free and open to the public. Contact 740-587-6241 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

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Barbara Stambaugh

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