2012 University Forum Series
Borders and Bridges - Exploring US/Mexico and Middle East Relations
Sponsored by Appalachian State University University College and University Forum Committee with additional support from the Joan Askew Vail Endowment
Free Admission
Barbara Martinez Jitner
“On the Border of a New America: Wall of Shadows”
Wed, Feb 15 - 8:00pm - Farthing Auditorium
Barbara Martinez Jitner is one of the first Latina executive producers of a primetime network television series. The Emmy nominated American Family made history when it debuted in 2002 as the first Latino drama on broadcast television.
The real life hero of Jennifer Lopez’s film, Bordertown, Jitner posed as a factory worker on the US/Mexico border in order to uncover a dark world of grueling poverty and sexual abuse that leads to murder. The film was inspired by Martinez Jitner’s critically acclaimed documentary, La Frontera, which was released in 2007.
Reza Aslan
“Understanding Muslims and the Future of the New Middle East”
Tue, Apr 17 - 8:00pm - Broyhill Inn, Powers Hall
Reza Aslan addresses the topic of Islam, the Middle East, and Muslim Americans with authority, wit, and an infectious optimism. When he talks about modern Islam, the religion and politics of the Middle East, or the rise of a sophisticated Muslim middle class, audiences listen.
Reza Aslan is the author of the international bestseller No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, which has been named by Blackwell Publishers as one of the 100 most im- portant books of the last decade.
