Enrollment in world religion classes increases
By Marci King
Staff Reporter

TCU is witnessing the effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States with a surge in Middle Eastern studies, said Manochehr Dorraj, a political science professor.

“People on a national level, not just at TCU, want to know more,” Dorraj said.

Yushau Sodiq, an associate professor of religion, said he has seen his Islamic studies class grow from 15 students last semester to more than 25 students this semester with more on the wait list.

Molly Beurman/Skiff staff Crystal Urias, a freshman history major, listens to Yushau Sodiq, an associate professor of religion, in a religion class Tuesday.

“Students want more information on Islam and what is going on in the Middle East,” Sodiq said.

Dorraj said the increase in interest is not just in religious matters.

“The number of people who want to serve in world affairs has increased,” Dorraj said. “There has been a surge in all things global.”

Ronald Flowers, a religion professor, said the national media suggest that there has been an increase in Middle Eastern studies since the terrorist attacks.

“An increase in book sales regarding Islamic religion points to that fact,” Flowers said.

Perry Cottrell, a sophomore business major, said he has been tolerant of other religions but is more aware now.

“What happened Sept. 11 reflected poorly on one religion,” Cottrell said.

Jeff Han, a sophomore e-business major, said he has been aware of differing religions.

“I am taking world religion to fill a requirement, but I am more tolerant now of others and their beliefs,” Han said.

Flowers said war is never a good thing but it may produce positive results in the long run. Flowers said it is unclearhow the war will affect religious tolerance.
“People need to approach it with an open mind to learn about religions and cultures other than their own,” Flowers said.

Dorraj said that to call a war good in any way is a contradictory phenomenon.

“War is not an expression of tolerance,” Dorraj said.

Since Sept. 11, people in the United States have learned they are dependent on the rest of the world and that the United States is vulnerable, Dorraj said.

Dorraj said he hopes the war increases the number of people reaching out to other religious beliefs.

“President Bush has tried to set an example of tolerance by reaching out to Muslims,” Dorraj said.

Sodiq said he does not believe that the war will be good in any way for religious tolerance.

“In my opinion it will increase tension,” Sodiq said.

Marci King
m.l.king@student.tcu.edu

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