Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, ASU religious studies professors have noticed that students are more interested in the Islamic religion.
"It's a cultural blind spot," said David Damrel, assistant professor of religious studies.
Damrel said many of his students have expressed an interest in the Islamic religion, and have been inquiring about specific classes and books to read.
During the week of the attacks Damrel discussed Islam and answered students' questions in his Religion 100 class.
"People have sat up and taken notice that religion is a powerful force in the world," Damrel said.
P.F. Smith, undergraduate adviser and faculty associate of religious studies, also said her students have been showing an interest in Islamic studies.
"The attacks from Sept. 11 have greatly increased people's urge to understand," she said.
Smith has planned to expand the section on Islam in her class due to the students' requests to discuss the religion earlier in the semester.
"The Islamic religion has been misunderstood," Smith said.
Students don't learn about Islam in high school, Damrel said, "it's a real gap in American education. People have misconceptions about religious cultures."
Students are more curious about the Islamic religion, said Angel Ramirez, secondary education senior, who said he would be interested in taking an Islamic studies class.
"I would like to learn how other people live in Afghanistan," he said.
ASU will offer three or four classes next semester in Islamic studies. Because pre-registration starts Oct. 29, it will be too late to add more classes, Smith said.
"I anticipate the Islamic classes will be full," she said.
Smith said the religious studies department would be advertising the Islamic classes offered next spring.
Reach Jennifer Voges at jennyvoges@hotmail.com.
