University of Michigan - Flint Anthropology

03/23/2026

The Intercultural Center invites you to this year’s Allama Muhammad Iqbal Symposium on Islamic Thought and Civilization at the Northbank Center’s Grand Ballroom this upcoming Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 for dinner and a keynote discussion. Please register through the LinkTree in the ICC’s bio and plan to attend if you’re able.

This year’s keynote speaker is a world-renowned, distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah.

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah will be delivering a talk on “Islam and America’s Founding.”

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah is the Executive Director/Secretary General of the Figh Council of North America and Director Religious Affairs of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

He received his Ph.D. (Theology and Religious Studies) from the University of Wales, U. K., obtained his M.A. (Hons), (Islamic Studies: Usuluddin with specialization in Comparative Religions) from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan and B. A. (Hons), (Islamic Studies: Usuluddin) from the same university.
He is Hafiz of al-Qur’an. He has taught at the International Islamic University Islamabad, University of Wales, University of North Florida, St. Thomas University and Cardinal Stritch University. He is former president of Sharia’ Scholars Association of North America (SSANA) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and author of multiple books and articles.

Recent Publications are Islam’s
Reformation of Christianity, Islam And The English Enlightenment: The Untold Story and St. Thomas Aquinas and Muslim Thought.

The symposium was conceived by members of the Muslim community to nurture a deeper understanding of the rich history and living tradition of Islamic thought and civilization and its impact on the world we share. We share a meal together and enjoy a presentation and dialogue with invited guests.

02/16/2026

Look at what Professor Birchok has been up to as the Program Coordinator for the International and Global Studies Program. The IGS Certificate is a great addition to any major, including for Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice students.

Reach out to Professor Birchok today to learn more about how you can earn an IGS Certificate and prepare yourself for life and work in a global world!

Majors from across UM-Flint's programs of study found Birchok's global studies course meaningful for their specific career interests.

02/05/2026

Hi Students, both Anthros and all others!

On February 17th we are having 5 qualitative researchers (including 2 UM-Flint grads and some internationally renowned anthropologists) come for an "unpanel" on qualitative research in the workplace.

Come learn how you can put ethnography and other qualitative research methods to work in your career, regardless of your major or program of study. You'll hear brief discussions of the kinds of work each of our guests do, and then have 30-45 minutes to talk with them individually in small groups about any questions you have. It's a built in networking opportunity in addition to a chance to learn about how the kinds of qualitative research skills of anthropology and related disciplines bring added value to professional endeavors including research and development at companies like GM, international consulting, and advocacy and development at foundations and community organizations.

Below is a flyer. Here is a link to the event page: https://cglink.me/2sF/r383885

Looking forward to seeing you there!