An encounter group for Muslims and non-Muslims in a post 9/11 world
[Thesis]
Ramsey Ali
Moughamian, Ani C.; Heid, Laura
Saint Mary's College of California
2014
100
Committee members: Fleuridas, Colette; Sindt, Christopher
Place of publication: United States, Ann Arbor; ISBN=978-1-321-04754-7
M.A.
School of Education
Saint Mary's College of California
2014
This master's project aims to allow xenophobic attitudes between Muslims and non-Muslims to be reevaluated in an encounter group setting. The inspiration for this group is largely in response to the poor attempts to bridge healthy dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims in the years following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. To support this group model, a psycho-educational component, person-centered and gestalt theoretical and therapeutic techniques, and a follow-up community building approach for helping maintain connection, guide the structure and desired success of this group. The main goal of this group is for the group members to awaken their empathy, self-awareness, and tolerance of others different from them. Through greater tolerance and awareness, the participants' xenophobic attitudes and common stereotypes will be reduced. The expected outcome of this group should aspire for opening a non-judgmental lens for Muslims and non-Muslims.